USA > Indiana > White County > A standard history of White County Indiana : an authentic narrative of the past, with an extended survey of modern developments in the progress of town and county, Vol. I > Part 49
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"He has presented his work to the Master Overseer, and we have every confidence that it has been accepted. The Key Stone has been placed; the Temple finished; and we trust that, armed with the Signet of Zerubbabel, he has been admitted within the veil and is now pursuing his labors under the direction of the Grand Council of the Universe- not delving in the ruins, but enjoying the ineffable splendors of the Temple completed."
JOHN A. BLACKWELL, M. D.
This name will be recognized only by the older residents of White County. He was engaged in the practice of his profession at Monticello when the Civil war broke out, and enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana Vol- unteers, where he became first lieutenant of Company D. Later he was surgeon of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers. The files of the papers of Monticello show that he was among the first of our people to urge enlistments, took an active part in all war meetings and freely gave his services to his country. He died at Wellsville, Missouri, January 28, 1914, where he had lived since 1881. His wife died March 7, 1909.
JAMES BLAKE, SR.
The western part of White County was the last to be occupied by the white man and its early pioneers came some time after the other parts of the county were opened for the new homes. The subject of this sketch settled near Wolcott in 1867, having removed from Kankakee County, Illinois. He was born in England and came to America in 1850 and died at his home near Wolcott on April 13, 1883, in his seventy-fifth year. For some years prior to his death he was a leading member of the Pres- byterian Church of Meadow Lake and his descendants still live in Wol- cott and Princeton townships.
ABSALOM BOICOURT
Absalom Boicourt was born March 3, 1808, near Louisville, Ken- tucky, and in 1812 came with his parents to Indiana and settled in Clark County, later he removed to Decatur County and here on February 11, 1833, he married Miss Rebecca Holmes by whom he had seven children. In 1857 he came to Princeton Township, White County, where he lived until his death, November 6, 1889. He lived in Indiana seventy-seven years, could call to mind when Indianapolis was a wilderness and was an eye-witness to the development of the entire state. He was a member
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of the United Brethren Church and a republican in politics though he never held any office. He cast his first vote in 1832.
AUGUSTUS S. BORDNER
Augustus S. Bordner, one of the prominent business men of Brooks- ton, has been a resident of that town since 1868. He was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the son of Augustus and Harriet Bordner. In his younger years Mr. Bordner was a teacher in the public schools and in 1870 he engaged in the lumber business in Brookston, in which he has continued for more than forty years. Soon after locating in Brookston he was elected trustee of Prairie Township and was twice re-elected, serving three terms in that office. He is a man of the strictest probity, is held in high esteem by all who know him and has long been one of the substantial men of his town.
WILLIAM McCOY BOTT
William McCoy Bott was born in Virginia February 16, 1821, and at the age of fifteen came to White County, Indiana, where the remain- ing forty years of his life were passed. He died in Monticello, January 28, 1877. He shared in all the hardships incident to pioneer life, was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he became a member at the age of eighteen, and at his death it was said of him by one who had known him for many years, "He was an honest and good man; he always did the best he could."
CAPT. GEORGE BOWMAN
Capt. George Bowman, a veteran soldier, teacher and student, has left an impress on White County which it would be difficult to measure. Many of our oldest citizens were his pupils, and all cherish his memory and hold it in highest honor. He was born on a farm near Martinsburg. Berkley County, Virginia, on February 28, 1818, and died at his home in Monticello, November 29, 1894. His parents also were of Virginia, and his father was a teacher during his entire life. The subject of this article was the fourth child in a family of seven children, and his par- ents died while he was yet a child, leaving him in the care of a guardian, in whose store he worked until he was twenty years old, and at the same time fitted himself to enter college by private study.
He then came to Delphi, Carroll County, Indiana, to join his brothers, who had located there some years previous. Here he taught school for several years and attended Wabash College, intending to graduate in 1848, but was prevented from doing so by a severe illness but graduated five years later in 1853. In September, 1848, he married Ruth Angel, of Delphi, who died two years later, and by this marriage was born one daughter, Ruth Angel Bowman, who was married in 1873 to Rev. Edwin Black and who died in the spring of 1915.
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On April 15, 1858, he married Mary Dill Piper, of Piper's Run, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who survives him and now lives near Chippewa, Ontario, Canada. By this union they were given seven chil- dren : Phebe, Anna, Rebecca, Georgia, Caleb Mills, Mary M. and Carrie.
At the close of his school in 1862 he enlisted in the Union army and became captain of Company D, Twelfth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. He was warmly attached to his company, most of its members being his
CAPTAIN GEORGE BOWMAN, FOUNDER OF MONTICELLO'S FIRST HIGH SCHOOL
"He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one; Exceeding wise, fair-spoken and persuading; * And, to add greater honors to his age Than man could give him, he died fearing God." -Shakespeare's King Henry VIII.
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former pupils, and saw active service for more than a year. In Novem- ber, 1863, he was severely wounded in the battle of Mission Ridge and was carried off the field by Dr. John Schultz, David Laing, Clem Kings- bury, Mr. Sandifer and Mr. McMannis, who supposed him to be dead. He later revived and on Thanksgiving day was brought to his home in Monticello, where he later recovered from his wound but was never able to rejoin his company.
Almost all of his life was spent in school work in White and Carroll counties. He was at different times at the head of the schools in each of these counties, as well as the schools in Monticello and Delphi. He often said he hoped to die in school work, and this wish was gratified, for he taught school until within four weeks of his death. He often told that when quite young he had taught a slave to read, for which the owner of the slave had given him a dollar, which he had invested in an algebra. His love for learning was the predominant characteristic of his life.
In 1847 he united with the Presbyterian Church at Crawfordsville, Indiana, while making his home with Prof. Caleb Mills, president of Wabash College, after whom one of his children was named, and who was largely responsible for the founding of the school system of Indiana. In 1891 he represented his church in the general assembly, the highest court in the church. For many years his was a familiar form in the church. At his funeral was no brass band nor parade of any lodges in regalia, but seldom has there been a larger assemblage here on any funeral occasion. It showed in no uncertain way the heartfelt and uni- versal respect in which the good man was held.
RANDOLPH BREARLEY, M. D.
In the autumn of 1836, there came to Monticello a man who for more than forty-one years was an active business man of the town and whose influence for good was always felt. Doctor Brearley was born in Law- renceville, New Jersey, August 15, 1807; was educated at Princeton College, New Jersey, and Rush Medical College, Philadelphia. On June 13, 1843, he married Miss Ophelia Hughes, of Zanesville, Ohio, but after her death he married Mrs. Martha Dale. He engaged in the practice of medicine for many years, but at the same time he was connected with many other business interests. He united with the Presbyterian Church at Monticello, March 26, 1843, and remained a member until his death, which occurred April 12, 1878. Two of his children, Mrs. Annie Roach and Jones Brearley, are yet living in Monticello.
ROBERT R. BRECKENRIDGE
Robert R. Breckenridge was known by almost every resident of White County and held many positions of trust and honor. He was born in Washington County, Ohio, November 21, 1844, being one of a family of ten children. Only two, a brother, George, of Montana, and a sister, Mrs. Martha Ayres, of Monticello, survived him. When an infant his parents
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removed to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and about 1854 the family came to White County, where he lived until his death on June 16, 1911. On December 18, 1873, he married Jane Reynolds, and to this union was born five children, four of which survived him. The wife and mother died in Oklahoma, April 22, 1901. He had served four or five terms as trustee of Union Township and in 1884 was elected treasurer of White County, and was re-elected in 1886. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church and for many years was a leading worker in the Sunday schools of the county.
LEANDER BRINGHAM
Leander Bringham was born on the present site of Purdue Uni- versity, September 9, 1826, and died February 20, 1899. On February 27, 1851, he married Louisa Chamberlain and shortly afterward moved to Jasper County, Indiana, then in 1854 moved to Monon, where he lived until April, 1867, when he removed to Brookston, which was his home until his death. He had born to him seven children, five of whom survived him and four were present at his death. Mr. Bringham was a man much respected by all who knew him.
JOHN C. BROWN
John C. Brown was born in Logan County, Ohio, November 22, 1818; died at Monticello, Indiana, on his eightieth birthday, November 22, 1898. He was married at Hagerstown, Maryland, on July 9, 1840, to Miss Ann M. Schleigh, and the same year located in Monticello. He was a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow, and in July, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company K, Twentieth Indiana. He was then past forty- two years old and was made first sergeant. His promotions were rapid and he became captain of his company on December 20, 1862, serving in that position until seriously wounded at North Ann River, Virginia, late in 1864, when he received a musket ball through the head. This wound gave him much trouble throughout the remainder of his life. As a soldier Captain Brown was among the bravest of the brave, and throughout his long years of suffering always carried himself with an. erect and soldierly bearing, quick spoken and incisive, but withal cour- teous-a gentleman of the old school. One daughter, Mrs. Rose Mar- shall, is still a resident of Monticello.
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JOHN BRUCKER
For many years one of the best known residents of Reynolds, John Brucker killed himself on Sunday morning, July 13, 1902, by firing a bullet into his head. The rash deed was committed in his drug store and while he was alone. No known cause was disclosed. He was a son of Jacob F. and Caroline Brucker and was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 23, 1850. He was a wagon maker and blacksmith by trade,
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but for some years had been engaged in the drug business. In 1873 he was married to Rebecca Ridgeway, who died some years later, leaving him three children : Lula, now Mrs. Clint Casto; Alta, and John.
JAMES W. BULGER
James W. Bulger was born September 22, 1814, in Frederick County, Virginia. On May 10, 1835, he married Miss Minerva James, with whom he lived until his death on March 8, 1879. He was a charter member of Libanus Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., which was organized in 1854, and of which he was the first senior warden. He was buried by the lodge of which he had so long been a member.
BARZILLA BUNNELL
Barzilla Bunnell, who came to White County in 1834, where he lived the remainder of his days, was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 9, 1807. He was one of the first ten members who organized the first Methodist Episcopal Church in White County, and his great life work was in behalf of the church which he never forsook in its darkest hours. His habits of thrift and frugality enabled him to acquire a competence, which he was free to share in the assistance of all who stood in need. While sitting in his chair, December 29, 1891, he closed his eyes in the final sleep.
JOHN BARTON BUNNELL
John Barton Bunnell was born in White County, February 2, 1839. He was a son of Thomas and Nancy Bunnell, who settled three miles southwest of the present site of Monticello, in 1832. From his birth till 1890 he lived on almost the identical spot where he was born. In the latter year he removed to Sheldon, Illinois, where he died June 24, 1896.
NATHANIEL BUNNELL
Nathaniel Bunnell came to White County in 1833. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 27, 1805, and on December 29, 1831, was married to Susanna Runyan, of Clark County, Ohio, and to them was born ten children. His wife died in 1873 and on August 25, 1875, he was married to Mrs. Mary A. McNealey, of Kentucky. His life was spent in White County in which he proved himself a good citizen. He accumu- lated quite a fortune, was an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in all relations of life proved himself a man. He died in Reynolds, September 4, 1891.
STEPHEN BUNNELL
In the spring of 1834, prior to the organization of White County, Stephen Bunnell removed to what is now Big Creek Township and set-
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tled on a farm where he continued to reside until his death on April 25, 1880. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 9, 1803, and in 1826 he married Miss Nancy Roberts by whom he had five children. In 1849 he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and remained a consistent member of that church until his death. He was one of the most respected of our early settlers.
FRANCIS MARION BURNS
Francis Marion Burns, only son of Washington Burns, for many years one of the best known residents, died at his home in Union Town- ship, near Guernsey, March 14, 1902, aged a little more than forty-eight years, having been born there October 18, 1853. He was married to Emma L. Moore, October 29, 1879, and left surviving him his widow and two children, Washington A. and Margaret O., and an only sister, Mrs. James V. Vinson.
JAMES BURNS
James Burns, one of the early settlers of White County, was a son of Hugh Burns and was born near Lewistown, Pennsylvania, November 10, 1825. Died at his home south of Monticello, September 1, 1905, at the advanced age of nearly eighty years. His father moved to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, in 1835, and some three years later, September, 1838, started with his family to move to Springfield, Illinois. On leav- ing Lafayette they missed their way and drove northward to Monti- cello. They were so pleased with the country that they located about two miles south of town on what they called "Edge Hill" farm, their log house standing on the hill on the west side of the road, a short dis- tance south of the McKain stone barn. Here his father died in 1842 and his mother in 1852. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary Jane Burns, daughter of John Burns. She died in August, 1877, leaving three sons, Samuel, Edward and Bert. In 1880 he was married to Miss Susan Ferry, who with four children, Mae, Pearl, Earl and Sadie, are still living.
LIBERTY M. BURNS
Maj. Liberty M. Burns came to White County in 1839. He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1810, and died in Monti- cello, March 27, 1879. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California in the search for gold. In 1843 he united with the Presbyterian Church at Monticello and retained his membership therein until his death. In November, 1837, he was joined in marriage with Miss Amanda Griggs of Preble County, Ohio, and to this union was born two children, a son and a daughter.
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JANE BURNS
Jane Burns was the widow of John Burns, a large land owner and well known resident of Big Creek Township. Her maiden name was Jane Virden, she being a sister of Silas, Samuel and David Virden, all well known residents and all of whom died within the three years pre- ceding her death. She also had two brothers who died in California during the gold craze of 1849. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 17, 1825. Died November 23, 1897.
JOHN BURNS
John Burns, one of the most successful of our early farmers, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 4, 1809, and came to what is now White County in 1830 and resided on his farm in what is now Big Creek Township until his death, which occurred on December 26, 1884. Beginning life in a log cabin, by industry and frugality he amassed a fortune and what is far better he left this life with the respect of his neighbors, who knew him as one of our best and most honored citizens. .
WASHINGTON BURNS
Washington Burns was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1820, and at the age of seventeen came with his parents to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, and in 1847 was married to Martha J. DeLong. In 1848 he came to White County, where he lived until his death on March 12, 1895. He was a soldier in the Civil war, but was not a member of any church, though in 1892 at his request he was baptized in the Methodist Protestant Church. He was a kind and indulgent father and one who never complained in any of his sufferings.
WILLIAM BURNS
This name will be recognized by the oldest resident of Monticello. It carries us back to about 1846. He was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1802, but became a resident of White County about sixty-five years ago. He will be remembered as the keeper of the old toll bridge across the Tippecanoe River and later as mail carrier, for several years serving faithfully in both capacities. He died after a brief illness, September 5, 1895. He came to White County in 1846, which was ever after his home. In 1858 he became a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Idaville and remained to the last a con- sistent member. In 1871 he removed to Idaville and spent much of his time in reading the Scriptures, in which he was well versed. His wife died about 1863, but one daughter, Mrs. Mary Horine, is yet living in Idaville.
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JOHN P. CARR -
Suddenly, without warning and without a struggle and with no word of farewell to his family or his many friends, John P. Carr died on ยท Sunday evening, January 12, 1896, while sitting in his chair at his splendid farm home just south of Chalmers, at the age of nearly seventy years. Mr. Carr was born in Ohio in June, 1826, and came to White County in 1848, locating at Chalmers. He first herded cattle for Ohio parties, but later worked for John Price, whose daughter he later mar- ried. In 1876 he was elected a representative in the Indiana Legisla- ture, and again in 1880. He was a strong man physically and mentally, and his force of character gave him a leading position among the state's lawmakers. He left to his heirs one of the largest and best farms in White County.
LYDIA A. CARSON
Lydia A. Carson was born in Reading, Ohio, April 8, 1824, and was married to James Carson, December 14, 1840. To this union was born nine children, seven of whom survived her. She was the mother of Capt. F. D. Carson, of Monon. She came to White County in 1839 and for nearly seventy years her home was in the western part of the county. Her maiden name was Brecount and her husband died in 1875. Her death occurred at Monon, Saturday, December 30, 1911.
GEORGE W. CHAMBERLAIN
George W. Chamberlain, who died in October, 1913, at his home west of Chalmers, had long been one of the largest land owners and business men in that section of the county. He was born in Carroll County in 1836 and came to White County in 1845, locating in West Point Township. He was a leading member of the Universalist Church.
JAMES CLARY
For nearly half a century the subject of this sketch lived in White County. He was born in Greene County, Tennessee, October 24, 1824, and in December, 1845, came to Prairie Township, and six years later removed to Princeton Township, where he resided until his death on July 23, 1895. November 9, 1848, he married Susannah Smelcer by whom he had eight children, all of whom died before his death, except one, Joseph H., who is still a resident of White County. His wife died October 25, 1871, and on March 13, 1880, he married Eunice Wortman. About twenty-eight years before his death he united with the Christian Church at Palestine. His one son, Joseph H. Clary, is a respected citi- zen of the county.
GEORGE V. COEN
George V. Coen, a veteran of the Civil war, was born near Findlay, Ohio, January 12, 1836, came to Monticello in 1873, and at the date of
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his death at his son's home in Bowling Green, Ohio, had been a continuous resident of Monticello for over forty years. He enlisted in 1862 in the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry and in 1865 was honorably discharged after a service of more than three years. On December 27, 1866, he married Miss Jennie McDonald. He left four sons, all of whom were present at his burial in Monticello. He served as treasurer of Monticello three terms and for more than a quarter of a century had been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church at Monticello. He was a true soldier both in the hour of his country's peril and in the more constant battle of daily life.
JAMES W. CORNELL
James W. Cornell died at his home in Idaville on August 28, 1911, of tubercular trouble. He was born June 29, 1849, near Elkhart, Indi- ana, and five years later came with his parents to White County, where he spent the greater part of his life. On November 30, 1871, he mar- ried Jerusha Patton, who, with a son, Orren, survived him. He also left two grandchildren, Opal and Robert, and one brother, Richard Cornell, now living in Idaville. Mr. Cornell in 1868 joined the Church of God and retained his membership therein until his death.
JACOB COWGER
Jacob Cowger, a native of Pennelton County, Pennsylvania, where he was born January 2, 1814, died at his home in Monticello, May 18, 1877. He was married August 21, 1834, and a month later came to White County, where he passed the remainder of his life. For twenty- six years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died in the hope of a glorious immortality .. He was one of our first, as well as most honored, citizens.
WILLIAM H. COWGER
William H. Cowger, son of Eli and Ann Cowger, was born January 9, 1860, in the house on Pike Creek in which he was living at the time of his death, October 11, 1906. He was injured from a cave-in in a gravel pit near the Pike Creek church, dying in less than two hours afterward. He was married to Blanche Mowrer, March 26, 1890. Besides his widow, he left five children, Forence, Joseph, Vera, Frank and Walter.
TACY JANE CROSE
Tacy Jane Crose, whose maiden name was Smith, was born in Ohio in 1833, and when but three weeks old her parents came to White County and located on a farm east of Brookston, a part of which is now Spring Creek Cemetery. On March 14, 1850, she was married to Solomon Crose, who died November 24, 1892. To this marriage was born nine children, six of whom survived her and were present at her funeral. The
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other three died in infancy. In 1869 she united with the Christian Church, in which she retained her membership until her death, which occurred on December 22, 1912, which was the birthday of her oldest child.
MRS. CORNELIA (HUGHES) CROUCH
Mrs. Crouch was the daughter of Rowland Hughes and was born in Monticello, April 25, 1856. She was married to Henry C. Crouch in 1876. In connection with her mother, Mrs. Nancy Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Crouch continued their residence in the old Hughes homestead and conducted the store connected therewith until the failing health of all compelled them to give it up. Her husband died in February, 1900, at Phoenix, Arizona, where he was temporarily sojourning for the benefit of his health. At her death she left two children, Bernice and Henry. The former afterward married Mark Nicholson. Both have since died, leaving no children. All are buried in the Hughes plot in the Monti- cello cemetery.
HENRY C. CROUCH
Henry C. Crouch, for many years a well-known business man of Monticello, died at Phoenix, Arizona, February 24, 1900, where he had gone to recover his failing health, and his remains were brought to Monticello for burial. He was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, August 11, 1850, came to Monticello in 1872, and took a position as clerk in the store of Rowland Hughes, whose daughter Cornelia he married in May, 1876. To them were born three children. One died in infancy and two, Henry C., Jr., and Bernice, with the mother, survived him, but within less than six years from his death the entire family were taken. Bernice married Mark G. Nicholson, of Tipton, Indiana, and died in a short time thereafter. Henry C., Jr., died six weeks prior to her death, and her infant child died at its birth. The mother died prior to this time, and the visitor to the old cemetery in Monticello will be shown a row of five graves which contain the entire Crouch family.
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