Biography of John F. Coburn, pages 521 / 522. History De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. John F. Coburn, deceased, one of the most prominent of the old pioneers, was born in Ontario County, N.Y., July 22, 1806, a son of Asher Coburn, and died in De Kalb County, Ind., April 8, 1879. He was ten years of age when his parents moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, and there he was reared on a frontier farm. Obtaining a practical education in the district schools, and by studying in his leisure hours. He learned the shoemaker’s trade in his youth, and worked at it till his removal to De Kalb County, Ind., March 1, 1836. He entered 120 acres of Government land, which he began to clear and improved, and also worked at his trade. He was elected County Clerk and Recorder, the first in the county, and made an efficient officer. He was an active member of the Disciples church, and took a great interest in the cause of Christianity. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Republican. He was married Nov. 25, 1830, to Minerva Twadell, who died Oct. 8, 1840. They had three children--- Jacob O., Laura E., and Edwin R.. The sons were both soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Jacob O. died in a rebel prison. Edwin R. is now a resident of Dushville, Isabella Co., Mich. July 11, 1841, Mr. Couburn married Alzada M. Gay, who died March 28, 1850. April 20, 1852, he married Betsey A. Wilmot, a native of Portage County, Ohio, born June 7, 1812. The had one child---Wilmot P.. Mrs. Coburn and her son are living on the old homestead, which contains 160 acres of valuable land, under a good state of cultivation. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com