Custer - WIlliam H. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen, Vol. II (New York: H. H. Hardesty, 1896), p. 1192.

William H. Custer: Was a native of Montgomery county, Ind., where he has always lived. He was born Nov. 11, 1841, of parents, Robert and Jane (Watkins) Custer, deceased. Jan. 2, 1867, he was happily married in this county, to Rachel Cox who was born here October, 1844. Three children were born to this marriage: Charles, Laura and Franklin. Joshua and Rosanna (Cox) Cox, both deceased, were the parents of Mrs. Custer. Comrade Custer was a farmer when he entered the Union army Sept. 18, 1861, at Crawfordsville, Ind., as a private soldier in Co. B, l0th Ind. V. I., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 14th A. C. He was detailed in the spring of 1863 on special duty and served in this capacity for one year when he rejoined his command at Marietta, Ga. His battle record includes the following: Mill Springs, Siege of Corinth, Perryville, Tullahoma, and Chickamauga; he was taken sick at the latter battle and was put on special duty; his term of enlistment having expired he was honorably discharg! ed September, 1864 at Indianapolis, Ind. He had two brothers in the army, Aaron a member of 86th Ind. V. I., and Montgomery in 150th Ind. V. I. His wife's brother, William belonged to 120th Ind. V. I., was captured by bushwhackers and immediately paroled. Her uncle, John Rhodes served in the Mexican war. Comrade Custer is a member of R. C. Kise Post, 437, he is trustee of Sugar Creek township, being elected in 1894 for four years, he is by occupation a farmer and his address is Darlington, Indiana.

Sugar Creek WH Custer, trustee of Sugar Creek Twp, was elected on the Republican ticket. He was born in Walnut Twp this county on Nov 10, 1841 a son of Robert Custer one of the old pioneers of Montgomery County. When the war broke out he enlisted under Gen MD Manson in Co B 10th Ind Inf serving 3 long years. After returning home he was married to the daughter of Joshua Cox Jan 2, 1867. To them were born three children, two sons an one daughter. Mr. Custer resided in Darlington for 3 years being in the hardware business. He then moved to Sugar Creek Twp his present home 23 years ago. By economy and close application to business he has acumulated a farm of 200 acres and has a beautiful home with good barns and outbuildings, and latest modern improvements in water priviliges. He has made his life a success and has won by his straightforwardness coutesy and hospitality. He cast his first vote for Lincoln for his 2nd term in 1864. He has beena zealous and ardent worker in the party ever since.  - typed by kbz

Source : Darlington Herald Friday Aug 25, 1916

William H. Custer, familiarly known to his many friends as Harvey Custer died at his home here, Monday evening at 6 o'clock. For many months he had been confined to his home under the care of his daughter Laura and his death did not come as a surprise. Mr. Custer was one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of this community and for many years was a prominent figure in the affairs of Sugar Creek Township of which he was trustee for 5 1/2 years. The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2 and was attended by a large number of friends and relatives, Rev. Martin officitaing. Burial was at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Charles Lease, IW Craig, AH Bowers, WN Bowers, Martin Wert and Martin Smith were the pall bearers. RB Cox, BO Flora and wife and Mrs. Bert Hiatt were the singers. William Harvey Custer, son of Robert and Jane Watkins Custer was born on a farm six miles SE of Crawfordsville in Walnut Twp, Nov 10, 1841. Here he grew to manhood. In the dark days of '61 when the life of his country was in danger, he was among the first to report to her call for troops, serving for 3 years in Co B 10th Ind Vol. Inf. He was married to Rachel Cox Jan 2, 1867. To this union 3 children were born Charles and Frank, farmers living north of town, Laura at home. His wife passed away in 1901. He united with the South Christian Church in his young manhood and has always remained loyal to its interests. He was a brave soldier, a good neighbor, a devoted husband, a loving considerate father. He together with his daughter came to Darlington about 13 years ago to spend the sunset of his life, free from the toil and care of his earlier years. It is here we learned to know and appreciate his kindly sunny disposition. We need more men like him - "So many faiths - so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind while just the art of being kind, is what the old world needs." He leaves besides his three children, 3 granddaughtesr and three brothers in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, also a large circle of relatives and friends. - typed by kbz