Rynearson - Washington
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 619
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, whose home it was until 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 January 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. - typed by kbz
Source: Crawfordsville Journal, Montgomery County, Indiana, Crawfordsville Daily Journal, Friday, Feb 25, 1910
Uncle Wash Rynearson of Hillsboro, an aged respected and
leading citizen after a long illness passed to his future reward
Thurs. night in his 78th year. It was uncle Wash who wanted to do
something for the Methodist Church when he purchased one of
Hillsboro's best residence properties and presented it to the
Church to be used as a parsonage. He was a genial, clever, kind
hearted old man and he will be missed by everyone. - kbz