Britton - John
JOHN BRITTON
Source: Crawfordsville Evening
Argus, April, 5, 1883
As the years roll by
one by one the pioneers have passed away until now only a few remain. The
can easily be counted. Those who came to these parts when it was but a
wilderness and toiled on for years, until they at last saw it a thriving and
prosperous country, but seeing their expectations were realized, they lived but
a short time to enjoy the pleasures they made for others. Another one of
these pioneers has gone. John Britton, who for two years has been almost
helpless and a constant charge, and at several times his death has been
expected, he was old and feeble and while all knew his life was short, when he
expired at 1 o'clock this morning there was that gloom and sorrow cast over,
not only his own family but the community, for he was one of those old and
respected gentleman esteemed and reverenced by everyone. He was an old
settler, one of the many who did his share to building up the town and county
to what it now is He was born in Cayuga county, New York, November 20,
1808, and a few years after wards moved with his parents to Hamilton county,
Ohio. In 1832 he was married to Sarah Sparks who still survives
him. Two years later he made the a trip down the Ohio river and up the
Wabash in search of a location. He landed at Covington, Ind., and from
there he located four miles west of Yountsville where he purchased a tract of
land from William McClellend. It was almost a wilderness and by hard work
the farm was elevated and he and his wife made it their home until 1867, when
they moved to town. To them were born eight children, three sons and five
daughters viz: Hon W.P. Britton, judge of the circuit court; Dr. O.F. Britton
of Champaign, Illinois and Walter Britton, a druggist of Waynetown; Mrs. A.J.
Royalty; Mrs. H.E. Sidener: Mrs, John R. Robinson, Mrs. Harry Palmer, all of
this city, and Miss Emma Britton. The last named died in 1877, the others
still survive him. For years the deceased was a Justice of the Peace in
Ripley township and he was extensively known all over the county. He was a
Universalist and clung to that faith to the end of his life. The funeral
services are announced to take place from the family residence on East College
street tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Elder M.M.
Vancleave. Interment at Oak Hill cemetery. – Kim H