George W. Burke, M. D., was born Feb. 22, 1841, in Franklin County, Pa., and was educated in his native county at the academy at Chambersburgh. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. J. C. Richards, of Chambersburgh. He took a course of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and soon after passing the examination he entered the army as Assistant Surgeon of the Forty-sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania, in the Army of the Potomac. In the fall of 1863 he was transferred to the Twentieth Army Corps, under command of General Hooker. He served three and a half years, and was mustered out at Harrisburg, Pa., in July, 1865. He then completed his course of lectures, graduating in 1865. At the same time he received private instruction from Prof. Pancost, and was also connected with Blockley Hospital, until he graduated, after which he practiced in Baltimore, Md., until the fall of 1866. He then practiced in New Castle, Henry County, until 1867, when he went to Sulphur Springs, where he remained till April, 1870, when he resumed his practice in New Castle. He was married in 1870 to Belle Shook, of Franklin County, Pa., and daughter of Jacob Shook. The Doctor has served two terms on the City Council and one term as member of the School Board. He is President of the New Castle Foundry and Pump Company. He was appointed by General Porter Trustee of the Insane Asylum, but, owing to political complications in the Senate, the nomination was not confirmed. The Doctor belongs to the State Medical Society, the Henry County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 471.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Lycurgus L. Burr, Justice of the Peace, was born Nov. 24, 1835, in Franklin County, Ind. He came with his parents to this county in 1843, and was reared in Blountsville. He learned the tanner's trade, at which he worked some years. In 1859 he embarked in the mercantile business at Ashland, and in 1863 he came to New Castle, and bought the stock of Joshua Holland, and carried on the mercantile business until 1878. He was married Aug. 24, 1859, to Martha J., daughter of Dr. W. M. Kerr, of Rodgersville, Henry County. He has one son living, Horace L. Mr. Burr, in connection with his duties as Justice of the Peace, attends to his farm, near New Castle, which contains 200 acres of land. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is Trustee and Treasurer. His father, Alvin S. Burr, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., July 26, 1810, and in 1820 moved with his parents to Butler County, Ohio. He was married to Lavina Conn, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 16, 1810. He moved to Henry County in 1843, and lived in Blountsville some twenty years. He moved to New Castle in 1865, residing here till his death, which occurred Feb. 12, 1883. He was a member of the Christian church. His wife, who still survives, is living with our subject. They had seven children, four now living - Elizabeth J., wife of Dr. J. A. Wendell; Anna B., wife of H. H. Hoover, of Richmond; William G., of Huntington County, Ind., and Lycurgus L. Alvin Burr was elected Justice of the Peace in 1846, and held that office till his death, when his son was appointed to serve out the unexpired term.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 471 and 472.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Noble Butler was born in Spiceland Township, Henry Co., Ind., May 30, 1826. His father, Levi Butler, was a native of Georgia, and moved to Indiana with his mother, settling near Salisbury, the old county seat of Wayne County. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and after his return, in February, 1816, was married to Elizabeth Carr, a native of Kentucky, who came to Indiana with her parents in an early day. They moved to Spiceland Township, this county, and settled on the farm where they reared their family and spent their lives. Levi Butler died in 1860, and his wife in 1866. Of their family of four boys and three girls, but three are living. Two sons, Hiram and Willie, enlisted in the war of the Rebellion. Hiram was taken prisoner, and died in Charleston, S. C.; Willie was killed in the battle of Chickamauga. Noble Butler married Elizabeth Fisher, who died in 1879, leaving three children, but two of whom are living - Mary A. and W. L. Mr. Butler moved to his present farm in 1883. He owns eighty acres of choice land under a good state of cultivation. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 472.
Submitted by: Jeanie


John S. Byer, agent of the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville, and the New Castle & Rushville railroads, New Castle, Ind., is a native of Franklin County, Pa., born June, 1846, a son of Jacob and Martha (Mitchell) Byer. His parents moved to Henry County, Ind., in 1850, and settled on a farm, where his father died in 1868, and his mother in 1877. They had a family of nine children, seven of whom are living, six in Henry County, and one, Luther, in Lincoln, Neb. John S. Byer was reared and educated in New Castle. He learned the tinsmith's trade in early life, and worked at it nine years for one man. He was employed three years as mail agent, running between Indianapolis and Pittsburg, and in 1882 was appointed to his present position. He was married in 1868 to Hester, daughter of Mark Modlin, of Henry County. They have two children - Georgia and Martin. Mr. Byer served two years as Justice of the Peace, resigning his office to enter the mail service.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 472 and 473.
Submitted by: Jeanie


George H. Cain, son of George Cain, was born Sept. 16, 1841, in Salem County, N. J., where he resided until fourteen years of age. In 1855 he came with his parents to Jackson County, Ind. In 1857 he went to Iowa; but in 1858 he returned to Jackson County, Ind., and the same year he came to New Castle, Henry Co., Ind., and in December, 1858, he engaged in painting, which he followed till the breaking out of the war. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Indiana Infantry, and served three months, when he returned home, and November, 1861, he married Sarah, daughter of George Frazier, who died in 1874, leaving five children. In August, 1862, Mr. Cain re-enlisted in Captain Vanneman's company, Eighty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served during the war. He enlisted as a Corporal, was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and soon after became First Lieutenant. He was afterward breveted Captain of his company. He belonged to the Fourth Army Corps in the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Generals Thomas and Sherman. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Chickamauga, and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He returned to Sulphur Springs, Henry Co., Ind., and in the spring of 1870 moved his family to New Castle, where he again worked at the painter's trade. In 1875 he was elected Marshal of New Castle, which position he held till 1882, when he again engaged in painting. In the fall of 1882 he was elected to his present office, that of Sheriff of Henry County. In January, 1876, he was married a second time to Emma Chenoweth, a native of this county. To them have been born two children. Our subject's parents both died in Madison County, Ind.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 473.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Miles P. Cannon is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Oct. 28, 1853, a son of Oliver and Mary (Pearson) Cannon. Oliver Cannon was born in Maryland, Nov. 24, 1827, and when two years of age his parents came to Henry County. After his marriage he settled on land in Henry Township, where he afterward owned 400 acres, residing here till his death, May 1, 1879. Of his four sons two are living - William H. and Miles P. The latter was reared and educated in his native county, and since reaching manhood has engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm contains 160 acres of the best land in the county, situated on the Cadiz and New Castle pike, two miles west of New Castle. He was married Jan. 1, 1874, to Mattie, daughter of Alfred and Mary Riggs. They have three children - Bertha B., Charles E. and Lottie L. Mr. Cannon has just completed a fine residence in New Castle, where he intends making his home, at the same time carrying on his farm. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.Page 474.
Submitted by: Jeanie


William H. Cannon, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Henry Township, was born in Henry County, Ind., Aug. 13, 1851, a son of Oliver C. and Polly (Pearson) Cannon, his father a native of Maryland, and his mother of Indiana. His mother died when he was a child. He remained on the homestead with his father till manhood, receiving his education in the common school. When twenty-one years of age he began farming for himself, and now owns 195 acres of fine, well-cultivated land. He was married in September, 1873, to Mary F. Larrowe, of Henry County. They have two sons - George M. and Oliver E.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 474.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Robert B. Carson, dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in March, 1853. When he was about a year old he was brought by his father, William Carson, to Champaign County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. In 1877 he embarked in the boot and shoe business, in Richmond, Ind., where he remained about eighteen months. Since July, 1878, he has been actively engaged in the same business in New Castle, Henry Co., Ind. He also makes boots and shoes to order. He was married in 1880 to Luella, daughter of Dr. Mendenhall, one of the oldest physicians of New Castle. To this union has been born one daughter - Lillian. Mr. Carson is a stockholder in the New Castle Foundry and Pump Company. He is a member of the Mason fraternity, and also of the Knights of Pythias.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 474.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Robert M. Chambers was born in Scotland, May 5, 1828, son of Alexander B. and Isabella L. Chambers. His parents emigrated to the United States in June, 1829, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived five or six years, afterward moving to Union County, Ind., where they remained until their removal to New Castle, Ind., Feb. 14, 1848. The education of Mr. Chambers was begun in Cincinnati, continued in Union County, and completed in New Castle. He was married to Zurrilda E., daughter of Stephen and Mary Elliott, Jan. 9, 1855. He lived on a farm of his father's, known as the Abe Elliott farm, from his marriage until his removed to Cherrywood farm, his present residence, on March 4, 1858. Soon after his removal to this farm he became its owner, adding to its acres until he has a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of two hundred acres. He is engaged in stock-raising and general farming; was engaged in the stove and tinware business in New Castle about a year, ran dairy in New Castle for three years, being the first to engage in the business here, probably the first in the county. For several years he has been assisting in the management of the Southern Turnpike Company, owning a controlling interest of the capital stock, and is the Treasurer and General Superintendent of the road. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have three children - Belle C., wife of Ludovic Estes; Jessie F., and Frank Chambers.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 475.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Ephraim Clark, grocer, South Elm street, New Castle, Ind., was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., Aug. 24, 1826, the eldest son of Benjamin and Lavina (Ralston) Clark, natives of Kentucky, his father born Oct. 6, 1801, and his mother Nov. 16, 1803. His parents came to Indiana, locating in Wayne County in 1814, with their parents. In 1822 they were married and moved to Henry County where the father died in 1880. The mother still lives on the old homestead. Of a family of twelve children, nine are living. Ephraim received a limited education, residing on his father's farm till manhood. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself, following the vocation till 1881 when he sold his farm and moved to New Castle and embarked in the grocery business. His residence is a fine two-story brick with all modern improvements. Mr. Clark was married in 1847, to Susanna, daughter of John Pressel. She died in 1856 and in 1863 he married Mary A. Clark, daughter of Amos and Elizabeth Clark (no relation to Mr. Clark). Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 475.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Elisha Clift was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1814. He was reared in his native county and when a young man came West and located in Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio. In 1839 he was married to Charlotte Jennings, a native of Vermont, and soon after came to Indiana locating first in Wayne County, but in 1840 came to Henry County, and purchased a farm where he lived nearly fifteen years. In 1854 he removed to New Castle and clerked a year in the store of M. & W. Murphey. He then served as Deputy in the treasurer's office two years. He was one of the projectors of the Northern turnpike in 1856, and with the exception of two years has been a Director and Secretary and Treasurer of the company since its organization. He has been a Director and Secretary of the Dublin and New Castle Turnpike Company for twenty-five years, and of the Southern turnpike eighteen years, and was Secretary of the New Castle and Spiceland Turnpike Company two years or more during its construction. He has been Trustee and Treasurer of the New Castle Cemetery Association since 1863. He was Director and Secretary of the Henry County Agricultural Society several years. In 1846 he was elected Commissioner of Henry County and served three years. In 1852 he was appointed Commissioner to fill out the unexpired term of Richard Haines, deceased, and at the next election was elected for a term. To Mr. and Mrs. Clift have been born two daughters - Helen, wife of A. R. Shroyer, a wholesale grocer of Logansport, and Amelia, wife of Henry L. Powell, farmer, of this county.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 476.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Waterman Clift, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., was born Aug. 21, 1815. He received a good education in his native county, and in the winter of 1834-'35 taught a district school. In the fall of 1836 he came West as far as Huron County, Ohio, where he taught during the winter of 1836-'37. In the spring of 1837 he came to Indiana and located in Dublin, Wayne County, working during the summer for $10 a month. The next winter he went to Fayette County, where he taught school two years. He then, with his brother Elisa, settled on a farm in Wayne County. In the fall of 1839 they traded their farm to Sanford Lackey for a stock of goods in Cambridge City, and in June, 1840, exchanged the goods with Sanford Lackey for the farms they still own in Prairie Township, Henry County. The partnership existed till 1843, but the final division of the land lying around New Castle was not made till the spring of 1883. Mr. Clift remained on his farm in Prairie Township till twenty-two years ago, when he removed to New Castle, where he has since lived somewhat retired. He has been a stockholder and Director of the First National Bank since its organization. Mr. Clift has been married three times. His first marriage was in 1844 to Kansas M. Leonard, of Syracuse, N. Y., who died in 1848, leaving one daughter, Mary E., now the wife of George O. Taylor, of New Castle. In 1849 he married Eliza L. Woodford, who died in April, 1882, leaving no children. In November, 1882, he married Elizabeth L. Bare, of Rockingham County, Va. They have one child, a son - Elisha W., of whom the parents have reason to be proud.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 476 and 477.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Harry T. Coffin, son of Frederick W. and Mary W. Coffin, of Ashland, Ohio, is one of the leading jewelers of New Castle. He learned his trade of H. F. Vantilburg, Ashland, Ohio, and after completing it came to New Castle and clerked two years for J. U. Keiser. In 1875 he began business for himself on Broadway and has a thriving trade, carrying a full line of jewelry, watches, clocks, etc. He was married in October, 1877, to Anna Mooney, of New Castle. They have one daughter - Edith Cary. Mr. Coffin is a member of Lodge No. 33, Knights of Pythias.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.
Page 477.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Thad. Coffin, ex-Postmaster of New Castle, Ind., was born March 2, 1841, in Troy, N. Y. When five years old he came to Ashland County, Ohio, with his father, Frederick W. Coffin, who was by trade a cabinet-maker. In June, 1861, our subject enlisted in the Twenty-third Ohio Infantry. He served part of time under General Sheridan and saw him ride from Winchester to Clear Creek. He was in the battles of Antietam, Carnifax Ferry, South Mountain, Fisher Hill, Cedar Creek, Lexington, and was with General Hunter in his famous raid on Linchburgh. He was mustered out July 7, 1865, when he returned to Ashland, Ohio. April 23, 1867, he came to New Castle, Ind., and followed carpentering, contracting and building till July, 1872, when he was appointed Postmaster and served three and a half years. Four years later he was appointed mail agent on the Pan Handle Railroad, serving one year, when he was again appointed Postmaster. He is now Vice-President, and also one of the Directors of the New Castle Loan and Building Association. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is Adjutant. Dec. 5, 1866, he married Caroline Carter, of Ashland, Ohio, and daughter of Leander Carter, a New Englander. They are the parents of one son and seven daughters.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
New Castle and Henry Township.Page 477.
Submitted by: Jeanie


CORWINE, Richard S.

Richard S. Corwine, farmer and stock feeder, section 28. was born February 9, 1813, in Mason County, Kentucky, and was the son of George Corwine, a native of New Jersey, who, when only five years old went to Kentucky with his parents, where he was reared and then married Miss Nancy Thornton, a Virginia by birth. The subject of this sketch was the third child in the family. His youthful days were spent on his father's farm, his education being received in the subscription schools. When nineteen years old he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, and there worked at house carpentering for two years, when he became engaged in farming in Henry County, Indiana, though following his trade a part of the time. In 1872 he removed to Henry County, Missouri, and has since given his attention to farming. His farm contains 160 acres surrounded and subdivided with hedge fence, well improved, etc. January 28, 1835, Mr. C. married Elizabeth B. Thornton, who was born May 21, 1813, in Mason County, Kentucky. They have seven children: George, Mary, Lucindia, William, Richard, Ruth and John. They lost three children: Amanda C., Nancy A. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Corwine and all their children are members of the Christian Church.

The 1901 Missouri newspaper obituary for Elizabeth Brown Thornton (Mrs. Richard) Corwine is:
"Mrs. R. S. Corwine, aged 83 years and 12 days, departed this life at her home northwest of this city, Monday forenoon, June 3, 1901 after having been confined to her room most of the time for a year or more. "Elizabeth B. Thornton was born in Mason county, Kentucky, May 21, 1818 and with her parents moved to Henry county Indiana when 15 years old. January 28, 1835 she was married to Richard S. Corwine. To this union was born eight children. Those living are George and R.T. Corwine, north of town, J.J. Corwine, Nevada, Mo., Lou Sharp, Modoc, Indiana and Mary Thornton and Ruth Stahl residing on the home place near this city. The children died are Will Corwine and Amanda Harris.

"In 1872 the deceased, husband and family moved to Henry county this state and resided on the old homestead till their deaths, Mr. Corwine preceding his wife some three years.

"This dear old mother was a conscientious, devout and earnest member of the Christian church for 65 years.

"The funeral service was conducted from the residence by Elder F.M. Stewart and interment took place at the Kepner cemetery beside the remains of the aged husband Tuesday afternoon.

"One by one these old pioneers are passing away which reminds us that we too must of necessity pass the same way when our allotted days are filled, if not before. Think, ponder over the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life. Live as for eternity.

"May Heaven bless and comfort the bereaved children in the loss of this dear old mother is the prayer of their many friends."
[I don't know the name of the paper; the obit was in a scrapbook kept by one of the descendants].

[the following is my information]
Richard Corwine's father, George A. Corwine (b. May 1789 NJ) was the son of George Corwine (1759 Hopewell NJ - December 1788 Hunterdon Co. NJ) & Ruth Corwine (1754 NJ - 1847 Henry Co. IN). George and Ruth were distant cousins. Ruth moved with son George to Mason Co. KY to live near her brother. There she m. (2) Luther Calvin in 1802. Elizabeth Brown Thornton had 10 siblings.

Her father, George Thornton (1791 VA - 1862 Henry Co. IN) m. her mother, Francis Ann Clift (1798 KY - 1880 Henry Co. IN), dau/Nelson & Nancy Lowery Clift, 1815 in Mason Co. KY.

Frances Ann's 3 full-siblings all moved to Henry Co. IN, namely, Wilson Clift, Nancy (Mrs. William) Clift, and Amanda (Mrs. James) Calvert. Many half-siblings settled in Vigo Co. IN.

Among those moving to Henry County IN from Mason Co. KY about 1831-1832 were the extended family of George & Francis Clift Thornton and the Corwines. (So far no link has been established between Richard Corwine's mother, Nancy Thornton, who was born 1788 VA, and his father-in-law, George Thornton, who was b. c1791 "Old" VA.). Both Richard S. Corwine and his wife, Elizabeth Brown Thornton, were born in Mason Co. KY and died in Urich, Henry Co. MO, where they are buried in Kepner Cem., Bogard Twp. However, they married in Henry Co. IN and lived there for 40 years, having ten children.

All ten children were born in Indiana:
1. George F. (1836 - after 1910 MO); m. 1862 Henry Co. IN to Julia Nicholson, daughter of Andrew & Sarah Ann Lamb Nicholson. Dau. Alice (1866 - 1882 MO) died unmarried.
2. Mary Z. (1837 - 1903 prob. MO) m. a Mr. Thornton; is buried in Henry Co. MO. Per 1900 census, no children.
3. Lucinda F. (1839 - after 1901 possibly Randolph Co. IN; m. Michael Sharp in Henry Co. IN (no date on WPA index; probably c1861). In Urich, Missouri she became a photographer.
4. William B. (1841 - 1891 Bates Co. MO) bur. Kepner Cem., Bogard Twp., Henry Co. MO; m. Euphemia Ruth Stahl (1849 IL - ) in 1871; enumerated as William or Benjamin on early censuses, but known to descendants as William Buford Corwine. One child, son William Earl Corwine (1875 - after 1930), who m. Myrtle Rachel Hurt and had a large family.
5. Elizabeth Ruth (1844 - after 1901) m. a Mr. Stahl, had 1 child, still living in 1900. 6. Richard T. (1846 - 1931 Urich, Henry Co. MO) bur. Urich Cem., Bogard Twp., Henry Co. MO. He m. Adaline (1853 IN - 1936 MO), left descendants through their one child, Frank Ellis Corwine (1873 MO - 1927 Kansas City KS) who m. Mary Ida Jameson.
7. Nancy A. (1848 - 1850-60).
8. Amanda C. (1849 - 1881 MO) bur. Kepner Cem., Bogard Twp., Henry Co. MO; m. 1879 James Harris (1850 MO - 1924 ) bur. Bogard Twp. Henry Co. MO. Son Archibald C. Harris.
9. an infant who died young, probably born 1852.
10. John J. (1853 - after 1901); about 1884 m. Lillie Sarah Burroughs; in 1900 they resided in Nevada, Vernon Co. MO. They had one child: Guy David Corwine (1888 MO - 1975 Sedalia, Pettis Co. MO) who m. Lola May Wilson 1919 in Cooper Co. MO.

3 pictures of Richard Smith Corwine and his wife Elizabeth Brown Thornton:


1883 History of Henry Missouri , National Historical Co., pg: 690
Submitted by: Sally Gordon, a descendent of Elizabeth's sister, Mary Ann Thornton Wisehart


Deb Murray