Allnut, TJ, PO Ashby's Mills, son of Ninian and Mary Ann Allnut, natives of Ky -- the former b. in 1785; died Sept 26, 1858; the latter b. 1792, d. Feb 16, 1858; was b. in Owen Co Ky June 15, 1838 and lived with his parents till their demise. In 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate cause, and served as a member of Co C 4th Ky Cavalry for 3 and a half years; was in 42 engagements and escaped with one wound. When the war closed, he engaged in farming in Ky, till in Oct 1869. He came to this county Jan 27, 1870; married Mrs. George A. Long, widow of DC Long and daughter of John & Sarah Frame, who was b. March 21, 1841 and had one son by her first husband, James C. Long, b. March 26, 1860. By the union of Mr. Allnut and Mrs. Long, four children have been born, one living, Sallie B., Oct 26, 1870. The others d. in infancy. Their home on Sec 35 (Scott Twp) - a view of which is seen in the Atlas was the property of Mr. Long, deceased. They are both members of the Methodist Church; and as Mr. Allnut is successful in farming and stock raising, general prosperity is shown in everything about the house and farm.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 52
Anderson, C.H.R., PO Ladoga, son of Joseph and Christina Anderson was b. in Montgomery Co VA March 18, 1814 and settled in Morgan Co IN Oct 1836, where he carried on carpenter and cabinet work for two years. His father d. in Morgan Co Jan 27, 1870 aged 80 years and 11 months. His mother died May 20, 1850 aged 62 years. Aug 1837, he married Miss Barbara Lake and has 3 children: John S married and residing in Ladoga; Amana J now Mrs. WB Gill; and Emily C. now Mrs. James C.Knox. Mrs. Anderson was born in Bottetourt Co VA May 8, 1817 and settled in Morgan Co IN 1836. Her mother, Mary Lake, d. Dec 7, 1830 aged 33 years. Her father, Timothy Lake, died Oct 10, 1869 aged 82 years. October 1838, Mr. Anderson moved to Ladoga, and continued his trade until the Fall of 1847, when he went into milling and farming, which he followed for five years, and then returned to his former trade, from which he retired in 1862. During 1862, Mr. Anderson and David R.Knox erected a flouring mill in Ladoga, which business he has followed since, excepting two years. He had been quite successful in business enterprises, having accumulated a comfortable competency, and now resides in his pleasant and cheerful home on Main St, Ladoga, a view of which is seen in this atlas.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 50
Ambrose W.Armstrong, farmer and stock raiser, Parkersburg is one of the few noble pioneers now living. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Fisher) Armstrong, and was born in Fleming Co, Ky, Jan 19, 1812, and like his father was reared a farmer with but a limited means of education. About the age of 18, he, with his older brother, each owning a horse, bought a cheap wagon, costing about $12, and with their widowed mother and two younger sisters, emigrated to this county with all their worldly effects, valued at about $30 and Sept 10, 1829, landed in what is now Brown Twp, and for several days camped by the side of an old log (having not even a tent) awaiting the arrival of an uncle from Fayette Co, Ky. The same autumn Mr. Armstrong bought 80 acres of wild land covered with heavy timber, and at once began to improve a farm. At the age of 23 years he began going to the pioneer log cabin school and soon after engaged in school teaching in the winter and farming in summer and by dint of close application to study and extensive reading, Mr. Armstrong so engrafted himself in the public confidence that he has been called to serve them in many positions of trust, namely: one term in the state legislature, 16 years Justice of the Peace, and 42 years Elder in the Christian Church. He has been executor and administrator, settling up 13 estates and been guardian for 36 minors. Mr. Armstrong has by good management accumulated and independently owned over 800 acres of valuable land, part of which he has divided among his children. His taste is altogether for farming rather than a public life, as he never would permit his name to go before the people for a second term in the state legislature. In the year 1838 he married Eliza J.Drennon, who was born Jan 13, 1812 in Scott Co, Ky. They had 6 children, 3 of whom are living: Mary E, Thomas J and David S.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
History of Montgomery County, Indiana, HW Beckwith Reproduction by Unigraphic, Evansville, Ind p. 417
Thomas J. Armstrong, farmer and graded stock raiser, Parkersburg, Was born in Scott Township, April 2, 1843 and like his father, was reared a farmer. His education was received mostly at the common country schools, and he attended the Ladoga Seminary 6 months. At a little less than 19 years of age, he volunteered his services to his country, and March 3, 1862 became a member of Co. G. 26th Ind, Vol. Inf. The first battle he engaged in was New Tonia, Missouri. Soon after followed the terrible battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; there his regiment lost over half their men in about two hours. It is due to the credit of Mr. Armstrong to say that he was out about 4 years and constantly with his regiment, being home but once, then on a veteran furlough, and was honorably discharged Feb. 1866. He at once returned home and engaged in farming, and Nov 20, 1866 he married Miss Susan E., d/o James and Malinda S. (Parker)Secrest. She was born in Scott Township, Sept 12, 1847. They have two children living: Mary A and Leo. Besides farming, Mr. Armstrong is now actively engaged in stock raising; for the last 3 years, however, he has turned his attention to graded stock breeding and raising short-horned cattle, Clydesdale horses, Cotswold sheep and Jersey red swine. His farm and home is half a mile No. of Parkersburg. His parents, Mr. Ambrose W and Eliza J (Drennon) Armstrong, came to this county far back in its early history.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
History of Montgomery County, Indiana, HW Beckwith Reproduction by Unigraphic, Evansville, Ind p. 425
James Ball, who resides on Section 31, Wayne Township, is the son of a pioneer of Montgomery County, and is numbered among the farmers and stockmen of the present day who are so ably sustaining and extending the work so well begun by their fathers in making this a well-developed agricultural center. Our subject is a native of Butler Co., Ohio, and was born March 2, 1817. His father, whose given name was Dennis, was born in Pennsylvania in 1779. He was a volunteer in the War of 1812, and had a brother Henry, who served in the same War. The latter was taken prisoner and held by the Indians twelve years. He adopted their customs and habits, and finally married the old chief's daughter.
The father of our subject came to Montgomery County in 1826, in the early days of its settlement, being thirteen days on the way from Butler County. He was one of the first settlers of Wayne Township, where he bought of the government five eighty-acre tracts of land. His first work after the land came into his possession was to cut down trees with which to build a log cabin to shelter his family. He proved himself a useful addition to the pioneer workers of the county, and his death in 1839 was considered a loss to the community. The following is recorded of the children reared by himself (Dennis Ball) and his wife (Margaret Lyons Ball): Margaret born July 22, 1808, married David Rusk, died October 29, 1846; Johanna born Dec. 28, 1809, married John Rusk, died Sept. 1, 1864; Abigail, born Oct. 28, married Edwin Quick, died Oct. 6, 1846; Nathan was born January 30, 1813, married a Mrs. Moore, who died May 4, 1852; Isaiah, who was born Apr. 10, 1815, died 1839; James was born in 1817; Nancy, born Dec. 13, 1818, married A.D. Salome, born Apr. 22, 1821, married Abram Heath; Sarah, born Sept. 14, 18__, married Jack Mullen, died May 18, 1883.
When our subject started out in life he received some assistance from his mother. He first settled on the old homestead after his marriage and he and his wife spent the first three years of their wedded life in a log cabin. But little of the land had been improved and it was covered with timber, except fifty acres of fine land in all, and one hundred acres of it under the tillage. He devotes it to grain raising and to raising blooded stock, of which he has some fine specimens. His buildings are of a good class, and evidences of thrift and wise management are seen on every hand.
Mr. Ball was married in this township February 11, 1840, to Miss Katherine Hoff, daughter of N. and Jerusha Hoff. Of their large family, Isaiah, who was born the year 1840, married Mary Chambers, and is now engaged in farming in Mar____ County, Iowa; Drusilla, born in 1841 died in infancy; Nathaniel married Sarah Snyder, and is a carpenter in Iowa; Dennis, born in 1844, married Minnie Raleigh, and is a carpenter at Manitou Springs, Colo.; Robert is a carpenter in Mitchellville, Iowa, was born Dec. 22, 1845, married Mary Goodall; Albert, born in 1848, died in infancy; Benjamin, born in 1849, married Sarah Almeda Schenck, resides on his father's farm; G.W., born in 1851, married Charlotte Heath, is a lawyer by profession; Marguerite, born Oct. 8, 1853, lives with her parents, and Jerusha, born Oct. 1, 1857, died Jan. 28, 1876. The Ball family was represented in the late war by the eldest son, Isaiah, who was a volunteer in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry under Capt. Johnson, and served nobly for three years.
Throughout his career our subject has maintained a high reputation as a man of signal probity, who is eminently worthy of the trust imposed in his fellow citizens, who have several times called upon him to represent Wayne Township on the County Board of Supervisors. He has discharged his official duties punctually, with great capability, and with an eye single to the public good. An active worker in politics, Mr. Ball is a very serviceable member of the Democratic party. Since the above was written our subject has sold the most of his landed estate and has retired on one corner of the old farm. He is the possessor of one of the old long-string clocks, which his father bought in 1828. It is still running, and keeps good time.
James Ball, b. Butler Co., Ohio, 3-2-1817, son of Dennis Ball, b. Penn 1779 d. 1839. Was Justice of Peace in Ohio many years. Settled in 1825 in Montgomery Co. Ind. Dennis Ball was Co. Comm. several years, dying in office. 9-12-1805 married Margaret Lyons - she was born in Penn 1785, d. 1866; came from M.J., settled here 1833; James Ball's children - Nathaniel, Dennis, Robert, Benjamin, Maggie, Jennie, and Drusilla.
Submitted by: Tracy Jones
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY, PARKE AND FOUNTAIN COUNTIES, published 1893. Page 590.
James Ball, farmer, Wesley, was born in Butler Co, Ohio, March 2, 1817. His father, Dennis Ball, was born in Pennsylvania in 1779 and died in 1839. He was JP in Ohio for many year. In 1825 the Balls settled in Montgomery County, Indiana where they entered 320 acres of land, the patent for this being signed by the "old man eloquent," JQ Adams. They were 14 days on their journey to this county, which was then mostly a wilderness, covered with woods and inhabited by wild beasts and Indians. Dennis Ball was county commissioner for several years, and was performing the duties of that office in the courthouse at Crawfordsville when he died. Sept 12, 1805 he was married to Margaret Lyons. She was born in Pa. 1785 and died 1866 and was a member of the Baptist Church. James Ball has lived on the place where he now resides ever since his father came here in 1825. He has 150 acre of land and has raised stock and grain on his farm, having been quite successful. Feb 11, 1840 he was married to Catherine Hoff, who was b. June 17, 1820 and is a member of the Baptist church. Her parents came from NJ and settled in his county in 1833. They are both dead. Mr. Ball has had 7 children: Nathaniel, Dennis, Robert, Benjamin, Maggie, Jennie, and Drusilla (the last two being dead). Was in the 5th Cav, 86th Ind, Vols and was out three years and was sick much of the time. Mr. Ball is a Democrat in politics and has paid taxes ever since the very day he was of age. He is a good citizen.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 603
Thomas J. Beard, farmer, Crawfordsville was b. in Wayne Co IN Feb 19, 1822. He attended Wabash College 3 years and in his youth, worked in a store. When young he worked some in the state engineering service, and helped run the first RR to Lafayette. Since his majority he has farmed most of the time. He enlisted in 1862, in Co K 86th Ind Vol. for 3 years and served about one year, being discharged on account of disability. After the war he served 3 years in Wash. on the Capitol police force. He was also a printer for some six years, working for awhile on the old "State Journal" at Indianapolis. He is a Mason, a member of the Methodist church and a Republican. His last and 3rd marr. was in July in 1855, to Miss Susan Tiffany. She is a member of the Methodist church. They have two children: George F. and Mary, the latter grad. at the public high school of this city. Mr. Beard's father, John Beard, was b. Jan 4, 1795 and settled in Wayne Co in an early day and in 1823 moved to Mont Co near Crawfordsville, where he lived till his death, Sept 29, 1874. John Beard lived a very active and useful life. He was justice of the peace for a number of years, and was appointed receiver of public moneys at the land office at Crawfordsville, by Gen. Harrison, and held the office until Van Buren became president. He was a member of both houses of the state legislature for about 25 years, distinguishing himself as a legislator. In fact he is the father of our glorious public school system in Indiana. Many other bills for the public good rece3ived his earnest and efficient support. He was a member of the State Blind Asylum for about 6 years, holding that position when he died. He was marr. to Maria Borroughs in 1816. His widow still survives him, at the advanced age of 83. John Beard was a member of the convention that organized the Republic party.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 166
Britts, JA, PO Ladoga, s/o Samuel & Catharine Britts, who settled in this county in the Fall of 1831, was b. near Ladoga June 25, 1839 and resides on Sec 26 of Scott Twp. Mr. Britts was marr. Nov 3, 1870 to Sallie A. Pinnell. Mr. B. is an enterprising farmer in good circumstances.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 52
Alexander Buchanan, farmer and stock raiser, Waveland, son of George and Diana Buchanan, was born in Rutherford Co, TN Aug 2, 1809, and settled with his parents in this county in October 1828. He was marr. Dec 12, 1833 to Matilda Rice. They have 12 children: George, Jacob, James, William Thomas, John, Esther, Margaret, Robert Alexander, Matilda Jane, Mary Elizabeth, Nancy Ann, and one that died in infancy.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 351
Cornelius L. Canine, PO Waveland, farmer and tock Dealer, son of Ralph & Margaret Canine, who settled on Sec 23 (Brown Twp) in 1825; was b. Feb 22, 1827 married Keziah Montgomery Nov 5,1 845. 8 children: Marion M, Edna L (Now Mrs. T Deer); Anna E, William R; Eva J; Walter B; Lula A; Cornelius L; Mary C (eldest died at age 16). Mr. C. is a member of the Regular Baptist Church; has a fine farm and is quarter owner in Union Block, Crawfordsville.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 5
C.L. Canine, farmer, Waveland, was b. in Montgomery Co IN Feb 22, 1827, and is the s/o Ralph & Margaret Warman Canine. The father was b. in PA Dec 3, 1789 and marr. in Shelby Co KY in 1809 and the mother was b. Nov 18, 780. They removed to Mont Co IN in 1825 and settled in Brown Twp where they lived till their death, the father dying Sept 27, 1879 and the mother Nov 5, 1863. The subj of this sketch has been a resident of the county all his life, and has been an humble tiller of the soil. Nov 5, 1845 he marr. Miss K. Montgomery, d/o James Montgomery. She was b. in Shelby Co KY Dec 17, 1827. The issue of this happy marr is four sons and four daughters: Marion M; Edney L; Annie E; William Rice; Eva J; Walter B; Lula A; Cornelius L and two dec, Mary C. and Sylvia.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 274
George W. Canine, son of Peter and Hester A. Canine, was b. in this co. July 5, 1839. Was joined in marr. with Lovina Jane McMaken, Jan 14, 1868 who d. May 10, 1871; married Mrs. J. Smith Sept 30, 1873 and has one child, Carie Theodora, b. Dec 29, 1874. Being one of the heirs to his father's estate, he bougth the other interests and controlled them till in 1872, he sold the entire property to JJ Canine. He then purchased a farm in the northeast part of this township (Union), which he disposed of in 1876 and afterward bought the one he now occupies, located one mi. E. of Crawfordsville, Junction, and built his present home. In religion, he is a Baptist; also a member of Sugar Mound Grange No 854.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 53
Canine, J.R. Po Waveland, Farmer, son of John and Hulda C. Long Canine, was born in this township in 1832. His father at the age of 14, moved from Shelby Co, KY with his parents, settled in this township 1826 and assisted his father in clearing a farm in the dense forest. When 17 years old, he became connected with the Old School Baptist Church and remained a faithful and honored member until death, May 1, 1875. Dec. 2, 1830, John Canine and Hulda C. Long, daughter of James and Nancy Long were married and settled on Sec 29 and cleared the timber from 60 acres. Three children were born: James R (subject of our sketch) and two who died in infancy. In 1849, Mr. John Canine sold his land on Sec. 29 and purchased 160 acres on Sec 24, afterward adding, by the aid of his son, James R, 160 acres more and made the present improvements as shown in view in the atlas. Dec 13, 1853 James R. Canine and Sarah S, d/o Mulenburgh and Elizabeth Proctor were married and have had 5 children: Ralph F. J. born April 25, 1856 d. Jan 17, 1863; John H b. April 15, 1864; Hulda A born Oct 7, 1866 died Feb 8, 1870; Lucinda EB born July 4,1 869 died Dec 20, 1871; and Jesse W, born Nov 25, 1871. Mr. Canine's mother died March 18, 1875 and his father May 1 of the same year, and by their demise comes into the possession and enjoyment of the fine farm and commodious residence. Hulda C, daughter of James and Nancy Laws Long, became Mrs. John Canine in 1830. Her father, in the Spring of 1822, began clearing a farm on Sec 21 now added to Parke Co. From a large oak tree in Brown Twp he obtained clapboards to cover his cabin home. Here he was joined by other members of his family from time to time; became a member of the Old School Baptist Church at the age of 18 and is yet a faithful member. His wife d. in Feb 1866. Desiring to administer on his own estate, Mr. Long disposed of his land in 1861 and has since given to each heir his or her portion, reserving for himself a contingent fund. Mr. Long makes his home with his grandson, James R. Canine at the ripe old age of 85.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 5
Canine, Ralph -- was born in Pa Dec 3, 1789 and moved to Mercer Co, KY with his parents, 1794. Married Margaret Warmon 1808. Children: Peter, deceased; John, deceased; Richard, deceased; William; Martha Ann (Mrs. Jackson Clark), deceased; James W, deceased; Tyna J. (Mrs. Harper), deceased; Catherine E (Mrs. W. Clore), deceased; Cornelius L; Margaret, deceased and JJ. Mr. Canine settled on Sec. 24 of this township, Jan 19, 1826. Mrs. Margaret Canine died Nov 3, 1863. Mr. Canine became a member of the church at the age of 27; was ordained a deacon in Ky and in 1826 when Union Baptist (Old School) Church was organized at his residence in this county, he was appointed Deacon which office he still holds. His second marriage took place July 23, 1867 to Elizabeth Ann Vancleve and at present resides with his son, JJ Canine.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 5
Canine, William -- PO Waveland, Merchant Miller, son of Ralph and Margaret Warman (sic) Canine, was b. in Shelby Co, Ky Dec 25, 1815 and settled on Sec 24 of this township with his parents, 1825. Married Martha Jane Ellis Feb 25, 1845. Children: Mary Ann Goben; John C. and Thomas J.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 5
William Canine, woolen mills, Waveland, was b. in Shelby Co, KY Dec 25, 1815 and came to Montgomery Co. in 1825. In 1846 he bought the old Deer gristmill and has been connected in that and the woolen mill and dry goods business almost constantly, and is now superintending the woolen mill in connection with Joel Deer the firm being Canine & Deer. He served as Twp. trustee of his township for 6 years and a devoted member of the Old School Baptist church for many years. In 1845 he marr. Martha J. Ellis of Shelby Co Ky by whom he has 3 children: May A; John C; and Thomas.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 274
Caplinger, Clayton PO North Union, Steam Saw-Mill etc. Sec. 8, settled in this county 1825 -- also William H., PO North, Union Farmer, son of Clayton & Mary Caplinger, was b. in Hendricks Co, IN May 10, 1847. May 27, 1867, marr. Mattie F. Williams at La Fayette (sic) IND One child, Minnie.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 52
Carrington, Henry B, PO Crawfordsville, Col. USA; Military Prof Wabash College, native of New Haven Co Conn settled in this county 1870.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 53
Carter, D.T., is the son of Othius and Artimissia Carter. His father was b. in Mason Co KY Feb 8, 1804 and d. in this county Feb 15, 1870. His mother was b. in Bath Co Ky Feb 7, 1806 and at this time lives on the homestead in this township (Scott). They were marr. June 19, 1824, removing to Monroe Co IN 1824 to Putnam Co 1839 and lastly this county, 1862. The subject of our sketch was b. aug 18, 1832 in Monroe Co and lived with his parents for 34 years. March 24, 1867, married Margaret A. daughter of Adam and Ann M. Hester who was b. in this township Oct 11, 1838. About two years after marriage, they purchased and located upon their present beautiful homestead, a view of which is seen in the Atlas. They are members of the Methodist Church, and are living in ease and comfort, Mr. C. being a careful financier, and eminently successful in his undertakings, enjoying the confidence of both neighbors and friends.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
Atlas of Montgomery County. (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 52
John J. Childers, farmer, North Union, is the descendant of Revolutionary stock. Gooseberry Childers, his grandfather, was a pensioned son of 1776 and emigreated at an early period to the white settlements of Ky, and died in garrard Co about 1840. This subject was the son of Lindsey and Catharine (Lydic) Childers and was b. in Fayette Co, April 1, 1824. After learning the bricklaing trade he followed that occupation 10 years anterior to his removal to Indiana. On Dec 16, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ross, who was b. Nov 26, 1828. Her parents were William and Eleanor Ross. In the autumn of 1855 Mr. Childers moved with his family to this township and settled at his present home, just No. of North Union. His farm comprises 168 acres, all inclosed, and 90 acres under the plow, the estimated value of which is $8,500. He has been a Democrat all his life. Mrs. Childers is a member of the Lutheran church. Of these parents six children have been born: Ella, wife of Jasper Britton; Kittie, now Mrs. James H. Armantrout; William who married Miss Emma Watkins; Belle, wife of James M. Galey, Mary and John. Besides their own children, they are rearing their nephew, George, son of William Ross, and whose mother died when he was 8 months old.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 274
Simeon Clore, farmer, Waveland, was born in Boone Co, KY 1821 and is the s/o Israel & Frances (Deer) Clore, of Va, and came to Ky in 1811, thence to Montgomery Co in 1837, and settled on land which they had entered in 1822. Here the father died in 1854 and mother about 1870. Simeon was married in 1846 to Mary LUSK, d/o Solomon Lusk who came to Vigo Co In about 1814. She died in 1860. He again married in 1870, Mrs. Eliza Chamlin. He has 7 children by former wife: Solomon, Joel, Julia A, Doren, Susan, Marvin, Mary. Mr. Clore is the owner of a fine farm of 360 acres and is a staunch greenbacker.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 354
John H. Cochran, well known for many years as a successful and extensive agriculturist, ably managing a magnificent farm of nine hundred acres, has now retired from active farming duties, but he still resides upon the homestead, which is pleasantly located in Madison Township, Montgomery County, Ind. Mr. Cochran was born in Fountain County, where Veedersburgh now stands, in 1825. His parents were among the early settlers of the State, but they were both natives of Virginia. His paternal grandfather was of Scotch parentage, but was reared in the South, where the father of our subject was born about 1773.
Coming with the advancing tide of emigration to the Northwest, he located in the new State of Indiana, and was successful in maintaining his family and gathering together a valuable estate. John H. was the youngest in the family of seven children who brightened the pioneer home of William and Deborah (Custer) Cochran. One little one passed away in early life, but six survived to adult age. Margaret became the wife of John Wilson, of Crawfordsville; James married, and died in Medina, Ohio, leaving a family; Logan is now residing at Veedersburgh, Ind.; Mary was united in marriage with Henry Crawford, of Crawfordsville; Amanda is the wife of William Warden, of Ohio; Jacob died in youth; and John H. our subject completes the list.
In 1851, Mr. Cochran married Miss Diana Morehouse, a daughter of William Morehouse, a pioneer settler of Indiana, who removed with his family from Ohio to the Hoosier State in 1833. Mr. Morehouse was a native of the Old Country, and was born and reared in Ireland. The success of many of his fellow-countryman in the land of the free determined him to sail for America. He made his home in Baltimore and married there. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Mincher. Mr. and Mrs. Morehouse located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and remained there for a time, but were induced to try the farther West, and settled permanently in Montgomery County, Ind. In their pleasant home their seven children were trained to habits of industry, and each and all had the advantage of such schooling as the new country could afford.
Mrs. Cochran was the eldest of the family. Her brothers and sister are Calvin, now of Champaign County, Ill.; Robert, deceased; Benjamin, a resident of St. Louis, Mo.; Hiram, of Monticello; Jane, the wife of Jesse Barons, of northern Illinois; and William, who died in White County, Ind. Our subject and his wife began their housekeeping upon the homestead which has sheltered them ever since. The large body of well-tilled land which Mr. Cochran so diligently cultivated was partly an inheritance, but many of the acres have been added to the original legacy by the careful management and thrift of the young heir, who entered into possession when he had scarcely attained to manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran are the parents of three, two sons and one daughter. Catherine D. is the wife of Sylvester Morris; and the sons are John L. and Louis W. All reside on the home farm, near the residence of their parents. Surrounded by old friends and neighbors, enjoying the society of their children and their children’s families, and secure in a comfortable competence, which enables them to aid others less fortunate, our subject and his partner in life’s joys and sorrows may tranquilly look back upon a well-spent life and rejoice in much deserved prosperity.
Mr. Cochran is always interested in national affairs and the local conduct of positions of trust. Ever since the formation of the Republican party, he has been one of its strong advocates, and always voted the ticket until 1885, when identified himself with the army of Prohibitionists.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain Counties, Indiana; Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1893 – page 157
Mrs. Francis C. Cope was born in Cumberland County, PA Jan 19, 1811. Her mother and father were members of the United Brethren church, and he was in the War of 1812. In 1817, they moved to Montgomery Co, Ohio. She was married and came to this county in 1829. Her husband was SW Cope; he died Sept 9, 1869. Mr. Cope was a farmer, a Lutheran, a Republican and one of the early settlers in this county. He was a good citizen and an honest, hard working man. Both of his grandfathers were Capts. in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Cope is a Christian lady and very liberal and benevolent. In 1875, she contributed $1,200 for building the United Brethren Church near where she lives.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 161
John Maxwell Cowan, of Crawfordsville, was born in Indianapolis, Dec 6, 1821. His parents were John and Anna (Maxwell) Cowan, both of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father was a Virginian by birth, and at an early age migrated with the family to the State of Tenn, locating in the Sewannee Valley, where he resided for 20 years, and where a large number of descendants of the family still reside. He subsequently came to Ky, and thence to Charlestown in the then Territory of Indiana. When the Prophet's war broke out, he joined the forces commanded by Gen. William Henry Harrison, as a volunteer, and remained in service through the entire campaign, being engaged in the memorable battle of Tippecanoe. After this battle, he served for two years as a dragoon scout until the hostilities between the Wabash tribes and the whites were finally settled. Returning home to Charlestown he made preparations and removed to Indianapolis, of which city he was one of the earliest settlers. In the autumn of 1822 he finally removed to Montgomery Co, settling on a tract 2 1/2 mi. SW of Crawfordsville, on Offiel's (sic) Creek, where he engaged in farming. The son was left fatherless when he was about 11 years old, and the family estate having been dissipated by the speculation of its administrator, the mother and boy were compelled to struggle with the severest adversity. He thus assumed the burdens of life while yet in childhood, and bore them unflinchingly and without complaint until the wheel of fortune returned a reward. He entered the preparatory school of Wabash College is 1836 with a determination to obtain a thorough education if nothing else should ever be secured, and after six years was graduated from the classical course with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Soon following his graduation he received an appointment as Deputy Clerk of Clinton Co and removed to Frankfort. There, snatching fragments of time from the toils of his office, he began the study of law and in a few years was enabled to attend the law school connected with the University of Indiana at Bloomington, where he was placed under the instruction of Hon. David McDonald, afterward judge of the US District Court for Indiana. Graduating at the end of one year, he returned to Frankfort and engaged in the active duties of his chosen profession. In 1845 he was married to Harriet D. Janney, a descendant of a prominent Quaker family of Va, whose paternal ancestors were the Porters of Pa, and whose maternal ancestors were the Ruples and Judahs of Basle, Switzerland. After their marriage, Mr. Cowan formed a law partnership with Hon. James F. Suit, at Frankfort. Mr. Suit was one of the most distinguished advocates of W. Indiana, and his talents being supplemented by the energy and studious habits of his partner, their business rapidly became lucrative. In 1858, Mr. Cowan was nominated for the judgeship in the 8th judicial circuit, composed of the counties of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery, Parke, Vermillion, Fountain and Warren. His competitor was an experienced and able jurist, at the time, on the bench of the circuit, and the political complexion of the counties composing the judicial field was decidedly hostile to his being retired; notwithstanding which, Mr. Cowan's personal popularity, and reputation as a lawyer, gave him the election by a large majority. The term for which he was elected was 6 years, which were rounded up with the severest and most exacting mental labor. At the expiration of the term, he stood so high in popular esteem that he was unanimously renominated by his party and again elected for a similar term without any real opposition from the opposite political party. Completing his labors upon the bench in 1870 he returned to the practice of law at Crawfordsville, where he had removed his family in 1864, forming a partnership with Hon. Thomas M. Patterson, late member of congress from Colorado. At the end of a prosperous connection of two years, he became associated with Hon. MD White, and his second son, James E. Cowan, in a new legal firm, which continued for nearly three years, when he finally retired from practice and connected himself with the First National Bank of Crawfordsville, as assistant cashier which position he still holds. As is usual with descendants of Scotch ancestry, he, with his family, are adherents of the Presbyterian church. Three sons and one daughter were born to him, all of whom are living and grown to maturity. In person Judge Cowan is tall, slenderly built, of nervous-sanguine temperament, erect carriage and figure, with an air of modest dignity. His disposition is genial, and he delights to meet his friends, for whom and his family he has strong affection. His long and toilsome life has produced a competence with which comfort and serenity are assured to his old age. His wife lives to enjoy with him and their children the fruits of mutual sacrifices and well earned honors.
Submitted by: Karen Zach
HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 160