RYNEARSON-Washington - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Washington RYNEARSON makes his home on Sec 2, Cain Twp, which was his birthplace and has one of the finest equipped farms in Fountain County. He is a son of Ezekial Rynearson who was a prominent figure among the early pioneers of this section - was born Somerset County NJ Aug 9, 1794 and was about 12 years of age when his parents moved to the wilds of Warren Co Ohio in 1806. He there grew to a stalward, active manhood and Nov 24, 1853 (sic) took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Elizabeth Applegate. In 1829 (sic) he emigrated from Warren Co with his family to this state and was one of the first to enter land from the Government in Cain Twp there procuring 192 acres on Sec 2, Twp 19. The country was in perfectly wild condition and at that time wolves, deer, wild turkeys and other game abounded. Mr. Rynearson erected a log cabin, into which he removed his family, who se home it wa suntil the year 1856, when it was replaced by the more pretentious one occupied by the son of whom we write. He was without capital when he started to hew a farm out of the wilderness, but he went to work with a good wil and in time became comparatively wealthy. He was a Whig in early life, but became identified wit the Republicans after the formation of that party and during the war was one of the enrolling officers of the state. He was a strong man, mentally and morally, was exemplary in his habits, and especially was he opposed to all forms of intemperance, whether in the use of tobacco or liquor. The love and respect of a large circle of friends ancd acquaintances were his in a marked degree. He was a typical pioneer and his early struggles to gain a foothold in the wilderness form an interesting chapter in his history. He departed this life in Feb 1874 his wife March 25 of the following year. They were the parents of 14 children of whom 10 grew to adul years: Nicholas, now deceased; Mary J, wife of Jacob Dice, a farmer of this county; Martha, who became the wife of WIlliam Walker and is now deceased; Rebecca, who married George Applegate, and has since passed away; Lafayette deceased; our subject, Elizabeth, who was the wife of H.C. Wyan of Hillsboro and is now deceased; Ellen, wife of LA Lucas of Veedersburgh; Amanda, who married Louis MIller, of Richland Twp, John a mail agent between Brazil and Chicago; and Melinda, who married John Tinsley. There were 25 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren in the family when the parts of our subject were called to their final home. Washington Rynearson was born on the old homstead in Cain Twp, Feb 15, 1835. He attended the local district schools in his boyhood but the most of his education is such as is gained by experience. He early became initiated into all kinds of farm work and has alwyas followed farming and stock raising. After his marriage he located on the farm wher ehis life had been previously passed. He bought out the other heirs, and lifted a mortage of $5000 after which he proceeded to develop and improve the farm. He has spent considerable money on improvements, having placed the land under a fine drainage system. The farm is highly cultivated, while substantial buildings for every needed purpose add to the usefulness and thrifty appearance. To the original acreage of the homestead the owner has added until it now comprises 252 acres of fertile land. Mr. Rynearson was married April 14 1870 to Miss Sarah Ellen, daughter of Abraham Herr, the family was of Swiss Origin. The father went from Lancaster Co PA to Warren Co Ohio where Mrs. Rynearson was born jan 20, 1842. In 1850 her parents came to Indiana settling in Union County where the father purchased land and engaged in operating a flour mill. From there he removed to Crawfordsville with his family, where he lived for a time, subsequently returning to Warren County Ohio where his death occurred in 1873. His wife died April 26, 1887, aged about 80 years. They were the parents of 15 children of whom 5 are living. To our worthy subject and wife has been born one son, Edwin Dec 30, 1873. Not only as a farmer but as a citizen the career of Mr. Rynearson has been creditable alike to himself and to his native county. When our country was threatened with disunion and the Old Flag was dishonred, he manfully did his duty as a soldier, becoming a member of Co. C, 154 Ind Inf and by his meritourious service was raised to the rank of Corporal. His brother John also fought in the war, belonging to Co C 116 Ind Inf. Our subject is a Republican and stanch in his political faith.