The Mystery of the "Diamond Peach Farm"
in Vernon Township not far from Centerville.
And Who were the Whelan's
In Indiana's early years, people buried their dead on the family farm. If we are lucky the location of these cemeteries was noted as property passed from one owner to the other.
In many cases the only marking that was done of the graves was a "field stone", basically a rock placed at the head of the grave, or a wooden cross (which did not hold up well over time) sometimes just
"grandpa is under the big oak and grandma is beside him". People did not record these burials with the county and as property changed hands the facts of a family burial ground were lost. Recently while
entering obituaries on this web site I came across one such situation.
We are fortunate that at the death of Andrew J. Whelan one of his sisters wrote an obituary giving an overview of his life. This obituary includes his move to Jennings County about
1856 and that his widowed mother and other family had moved here before he did. When I am entering obituaries I check death certificates and cemetery records to see how accurate the information is and often
add the persons name to the Jennings County Tree I keep on Ancestry and the obituary to their Find A Grave listing. In this case I looked up his death certificate first and burial location said "Dimond Peach
Farm." I had never seen a cemetery by that name so I checked for other people buried here by the name of Whelan. There was one listing in the Centerville Cemetery on Find A Grave for an Elizabeth Whelan. I
then checked for a death certificate and obituary for Elizabeth Whelan. I found a death certificate for Elizabeth Whelan and it listed place of burial as "Dimond Peach Farm", not Centerville Cemetery. I am
starting to see a problem. So I entered what I have in the Jennings County Tree and started digging into the family.
Slogging through various creative spellings of the family name such as Wahelan, I finally tracked them from the 1850 census in Ohio, to the 1910 census here. They started here in 1860
named spelled Wheeler with the widow Mary, her mother Catherine Jones, and six unmaried adult children, three males and three females.
At this point I reached out to Linda Cardinal Erler who had the Find A grave listing for Elizabeth Whelan, Bonita Welch & Ed Kellar and we all started thinking about what to do with this
delima of having a burial ground none of us had ever heard of, with a family buried in it.
I sent Linda all the information I had found and she put the cemetery on Find A Grave, so at least now if anyone searches for these people they will show up as having been here. I am putting this page
on the Jennings County INGenWeb site also, people should not just vanish. They contributed to Jennings County History for years!
EVIDENCE THEY EXISTED
North Vernon Plain Dealer - March 23, 1887
Frank Whelan, who lived four miles south of here, died last Monday night from disabilities incurred in the late war, the immediate cause of death being hardening of the liver.
Funeral and burial at his mother's residence on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Francis Marion "Frank" Whelan served in Company K, 52nd Indiana Infantry and in Company I of the 17th Veteran Reserve Corps.
Andrew J Whelan
North Vernon Plain Dealer - December 1, 1910, Page 1
DEATHS
WHELAN-Andrew J. Whelan was born September 3, 1828, at Baltimore, Maryland, and departed this life November 24, 1910, aged 82 years, 2 months and sixteen days. When Andrew was about
12 years of age, he with his parents moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew into manhood. In the year 1852 he went to California to prospect for gold, remaining there four years; while Andrew was in California
his mother, brothers and sisters moved on a farm in Jennings county, Indiana, where they and he resided until his death, he having spent 54 years of his life on the same farm. Prior to the time of his going to
California he became a member o the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined that order at Cincinnati, but while in California he allowed his membership to elapse and was never reinstated. He has been an
industrious man, honest in all his dealings, and his name needs no eulogy or comment in the neighborhood where he has so long resided. During the late rebellion Mr. Whelan was a kind and helpful neighbor to those
whose sons and husbands were away fighting for the liberty of our country. He was always ready to extend a helping hand to the needy and was liberal to all charities. He was an active and practical farmer but in
the last few years on account of failing health, he has been able only to oversee his work. Three sisters and a host of friends mourn his loss.
Elizabeth J Whelan
March 20, 1913 - North Vernon Plain Dealer
WHELAN-Miss Elizabeth Whelan aged seventy-one years, died at her home on the Diamond Peach Farm, in Centerville neighborhood, Monday evening, March 17, Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Lodwick at two o'clock
Wednesday afternoon and the remains were laid to rest in the family cemetery. The deceased was one of the well known and respected women of the county and had been a correspondent for this paper for a number of years.
She is survived by her sister, Miss Hattie Whelan, with whom she made her home.
North Vernon Sun - March 21, 1913
WHELAN
Miss Elizabeth Whelan, one of the well known elderly ladies of Vernon township died at her home at Centerville, Tuesday morning. She was 71 years of age. The funeral was held from the
Centerville church Thursday.
Harriet "Hattie" Whelan
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - January 27, 1916
CENTERVILLE
Miss Hattie Whelan, an old and respected citizen of this place, died January 20th, of infirmaties of age. The funeral took place Saturday morning and the remains were laid to rest in the family
burial ground at her home.
The other four people who are probably buried on the Diamond Peach Farm are Catherine Jones, grandmother to all the above born in about 1786 in Maryland, her daughter Mary (Jones) Whelan mother to those
above born about 1807 in Maryland and shown as mother on their death certificates. Also a brother Thomas Whelan born about 1832 in Maryland and a sister Mary C. Whelan born about 1836 in Maryland.
NEWS CLIPPINGS
There are over one hundred mentions of the Whelan family members in our old papers. I am going to be slowly adding those below. Lots of Centerville news to go with them. Mentions of Whelan family or Diamond Peach farm in italics.
NORTH VERNON BANNER PLAIN DEALER - August 19, 1891, Page 5
FOR SALE - A four-year-old and a two-year-old filly. Both sound and well broke. Enquire of A. J. Whelan, 2 1/2 miles southwest of Vernon.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER, January 2, 1903
CENTERVILLE
U.H. Miles and wife, of North Vernon, were the guests of the Misses Whelan last Friday.
Andy McClure and wife spent Sunday with his brother Harvey McClure.
Miss Etta Balliff will spend the winter with her sister, Mrs. John Trapp.
Will Gray and wife spent last Thursday with Harvey McClure and wife.
Henry Crawford was hauling hay Saturday from Andy McClure.
Earl and Wilbur McClure, of North Vernon, spent Sunday at Sunny Side farm, and treated all to oysters. Come down again Earl.
Harvey McClure and wife spent Christmas day with his brother Andy and family.
The Misses Whelan were the guests of Andy McClure and wife Christmas day. The feast was cracker jack.
Frank Clarkson called at the Diamond Peach farm Saturday.
VERNON JOURNAL, November 13, 1903
Centerville
Hattie Whelan called on aunt Sallie McClure last Tuesday, also Mrs. Jno. Gray, Mrs. Gant Hendricks and Mrs. Frank Craig.
Theodore Hess was the guest of his mother-in-law Mrs. Nancy Tweedy last Saturday.
Andy McClure and Andy Whelan have gathered their own corn as help is now scarce as hen's teeth.
Lizzie and Hattie Whelan called at Sunnyside farm last Sunday morning.
We are plaesed to learn Mrs. John Hengstler is some better, but still bedfast.
Bert Jordan and his six hands gathered corn and hauled home from the Whelan farm last Thursday. Bert is a hustler. If we had a few more like Bert in this vicinity, help would not
be so scarce.
Andy Whelan was on the sick list a few days last week.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - February 12, 1904
Centerville
Andy Whelan was the guest of Uncle Abe Rust Saturday and says Aunt Sarah is much better. Her Daughter Annie Hill, Has returned after spending a few days with her.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - June 22, 1905, Page 3
Centerville
The entertainment at the church Tuesday night by Rev. Phenice was good and enjoyed by all.
Mr. Fredrick and Mr. Cox and wife spent Sunday with Mr. Whitehead and family.
Lizzie and Hattie Whelan called on Mrs. Viola Lake Tuesday evening and took in the show at the church.
Mrs. Ella Dawson and daughters, Pearl and Agnes made a business trip to North Vernon Tuesday.
Uncle Harvey McClure and wife spent Sunday the guest of Andy Whelan and sisters.
E. C. Lake and wife entertained their six cousins from Indianapolis and a number of friends last Sunday. They picnicked at Rock Cave and all had a nice time.
Mr. Cox, Mr. Fredrick and their friend, Frank Gebbart, of Shirley, called at the Whelan farm Thursday.
Andy Whelan and sister Lizzie, made a business trip to Vernon Friday.
Childrens day was observed here Sunday night; the church was crowded and Professor Craig and his class did fine. The church was most beautifully decorated and all need praise for their skill.
Everyone thought it was fine.
We regret to hear of the illness of Mrs. Maud Thomas but hope her stay this summer in Kentucky may help her.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - August 31, 1905
Centerville
Mrs. Ella Dawson has been quite sick for the last ten days.
Mrs. Annie Dawson is also on the sick list.
Dr. Richardson and wife, Henry May and wife drove to the Diamond Peach Farm Monday.
E. C. Lake and cousin, of Indianapolis called on Mr. Fredrick Saturday afternoon.
The Misses Whelan entertained Jack Vance, wife and daughter and their new boy also Hazel Jennings Sunday.
E. C. Lake and wife attended the birthday dinner of Mrs. Bailiff Sunday.
Bert Jordan has started the plow at the Whelan farm for thirty acres of wheat.
Frank Dawson has had a very sick horse for the last week. Seven horses have died around here in a short time of indigestion.
Andy Whelan says any one is welcome to come to his peach orchard and eat all the peaches they want but not to come like a thief and haul them off by the wagon load and then tell that they bought a load there.
Mr. Fredrick entertained Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse Sunday.
Someone helped themselves to about ten pounds of fine loaf tobacco from Abner Gray's. Watch out next time.
From a pleasant letter from Aunt Sallie McClure, of Bay View, Michigan, they are all enjoying good health. Uncle Harvey is trying to catch all the fish in the lake.
Mr. Fredrick spent last Friday evening with Andy Whelan and sisters.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - January 25, 1906
Centerville
Ed McClure and wife, of North Vernon, were guests of their parents, Harvey McClure and wife recently.
Aunt Sallie McClure is suffering from a sprained ankle.
Mina Boner was a pleasant caller at the Whelan farm Monday.
Hattie Whelan called on Mrs. Ella Dawson last Friday.
Bert Jordan and Frank Dawson came up with their saws and axes and helped Andy Whelan get a fine lot of wood last Thursday. Thanks boys, come again.
Andy Whelan called on Mr. Fredricks Sunday.
Ed Jordan, of Letts Corner, was called here Thursday by the serious illness of his sister, Mrs. Wilkerson, Saturday.
Bert Jordan and wife went to see his sister, Clara Wilkerson, Saturday. (wife of Sherman Wilkerson)
Mrs. Ella Dawson was able to drive to North Vernon Saturday.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - February 15, 1906, Page 3
Centerville
Lizzie Whelan called on Ella Dawson Friday.
The sick are all well again as far as we learn.
Ira Cox, wife and Mr. Fredrick spent Friday with Mr. Whitehead and family and helped them butcher.
Hattie Whelan called at the Sunny Side farm Monday.
Charlie Ochs and wife spent Sunday with E. C. Lake and wife.
Ira Cox called on Ed Steward and bought a load of corn.
Andy Whelan transacted business in Vernon Tuesday.
Grandpa smith called at the Diamond Peach farm last Friday.
Mr. Fredrick called at the Whelan home Thursday.
Mr. Whitehead and wife spent Monday at the Sunny Side farm.
Mr. Fredrick sold a fine lot of hogs to Henry Harsheimer.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - March 15, 1906
Centerville
Frank Craig has left his farm and moved to Lovett. He will operate a feed store so we learn. Success, Frank.
John Gray has bought eleven acres of ground west of North Vernon and has begun building a home on it. As soon as his house is ready he will move from the farm and will then work in Platter's saw mill.
Bert Jordan has bought John Gray's farm.
Bert Jordan called at the Whelan farm Saturday and said the wheat looked fine.
Andy Whelan made a business trip to Vernon Saturday.
Hattie Whelan called on Ella Dawson Friday and says the sick are all improving.
Bert Jordan and wife spent Friday evening with Mit Vance and family. Miss Grace is getting along as well as expected since the operation. Doctor Stemm and other doctors, of North Vernon, took a tumor from her
neck last Tuesday.
Ira Cox and wife went to North Vernon Tuesday for a load of doors and windows for his new house.
Mr. Whitehead and wife spent Thursday at Sunny Side Farm.
Uncle Harvey McClure now sports a new driving horse. Look a little out Harvey so you don't lose a wheel.
We are sorry to lose Frank Craig and family also John Gray and wife.
Rain and mud are all we see now. Farmers are getting a good rest.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - April 19, 1906
Centerville
Charlie Ochs hauled a load of wheat to Vernon Friday.
John Bilou moved to Lovett last week and the new comers have moved on the place they bought of Mr. Bilou.
Mrs. Mary Ochs and daughter, Maggie , were shopping at North Vernon Friday.
Pearl and Agnes Dawson spent Friday with Amy Ochs.
Frank Dawson was taken with a chill Sunday and now is bedfast with fever.
E. C. Lake and wife entertained Uncle Abe Rust at dinner Wednesday.
Uncle Afe Rust spent several days last week with Andy Whelan and sisters; he will locate at Vernon. He thinks there is no place like his old home.
Andy Whelan and sister Lizzie, made a business trip to Vernon last Thursday.
Lizzie Whelan called on E. C. Lake and wife Monday, Mr. Lake is improving.
Mrs. Allie Hill spent Tuesday at the Diamond Peach farm with her father.
Hattie Whelan spent Saturday at Lovett calling on her many friends.
Rain and mud is all we see down this way and the huckster wagons have to have four horses to pull through.
Frank Dawson came home Thursday from Westport. Frank thinks there is no place like home.
School closed at the brick Wednesday. All are well pleased with their teacher, Miss Spaulding.
NORTH VERNON PLAIN DEALER - January 6, 1916
CENTERVILLE
Miss Hattie Whelan has been indisposed for several days.
You may use this material for your own personal research, however it may not be used for commercial publications without express written consent of the contributor, INGenWeb, and