AKERS, Virginia C. Gose Hurst - Putnam

Virginia C. Akers (nee Gose)

A woman who enjoys distinctive social prestige in Warren Township, Putnam County where she has hosts of friends who delight in her companionship because of her genial and hospitable disposition and who has proved herself to be a woman of rare business ability in the successful management of her fine farm, is Mrs. Virginia C. AKERS, who is a native of Putnam County, having been born here February 22, 1842 the daughter of John and Mary GOSE, an old and well established family of this county, her father being a native of Virginia. Mrs. Akers grew to maturity on her father's homestead and had the advantage of the common schools.

January 19, 1865 she married Martin C. Hurst, born March 15, 1846, the son of Jefferson and Eliza Hurst, the father born in Marion Township, Putnam County, Indiana, March 28, 1824, the son of William and Fannie Hurst, the former a native of Virginia. His parents came to Putnam County, Indiana in 1823, being among the first settlers of the county locating on Deer Creek, Marion Township entering several tracts of land there from the government. Like all pioneers, he endured many hardships and privations and died in 1850. He and his wife were the parents of six children all now deceased. Mr. Hurst was widely known and highly respected. Politically, he was a Democrat and he was a devoted member of the old school Baptist Church. Jefferson Hurst was reared to manhood in this county and received a limited education in the early subscription schools. December 24, 1844, he married Elsie Vowell and 8 children were born to them: Martin C, first husband of Mrs. Akers of this review; William; Levi; Squire J; James H; George W; Benjamin F and Mary, wife of Daniel Moffet. The mother of these children died Nov 2, 1879, and on Sept 1, 1891, Jefferson Hurst married Mary E Tilley, a native of Owen County, Indiana. Two children were born to this union: Joseph B. and Flossie M. Mr. Hurst was a successful farmer; he first settled on a farm in Sec 36, Greencastle Township and became the owner of 600 acres of valuable land and was considered one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He was a member of the old-school Baptist Church and served as clerk of the local congregation for many years. His death occurred Sept 19, 1888.

Martin C. Hurst, his son and first husband of Mrs. Akers, began his married life on a farm given him by his father, near Mt. Meridian in Jefferson Twp, and they made this their home for five years, then moved to a farm of 114 acres in Sec 1, Warren Twp, and after a few years bought an adjoining 80 and they moved into a weather-boarded log house on which they made additions later and here Mrs. Akers has continued to reside. Mr. Hurst prospered and owned 35 acres at his death which occurred Feb 4, 1899. He devoted his life to farming and stock raising and he and his wife were members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Several children were born to them: Ida Lee, now Mrs. Dobbs, born Nov 25, 1866 married July 28, 1899 and has had four children: Joel M; Albert Lee; Edgar R (deceased) and Eugene H. Mr. Dobbs is a farmer in Mill Creek Township; Albert W, born NOv 25, 1868 died Jan 3, 1888; Walter W born April 9, 1871 married Maud May Bryan May 15, 1892 and are parents of 4 children: Hazel C; Norbert; Caroline and Thomas A. Mr. Hurst is a salesman, living at Columbus, Ohio. Lawrence T. Hurst, born April 22, 1873, married Birdie W. Wright Dec 24, 1893 and they have one child, H. Kenneth. Mr. Hurst has taught school and engaged in merchandising. The next child was Edgar, born Sept 2, 1875 and died Nov 18, 1877. Paul Hurst born April 30, 1879 married Gertrude Cooper, he is engaged in farming and they are parents of 4 children Victor Ray; Harry H; Alton O and Cecil C. Jasper T. Hurst born Feb 6, 1882 is also engaged in farming, he married Myrtle Cooper Jan 14, 1902 and they have: Emmett C, Edgar E, Opal Marie. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Martin C. Hurst had the management of the home farm and she looked after the same in a business like and successful manner.

[Second marriage to Henry S. Akers]

On Sept 16, 1902 she married Henry S. Akers, a native of Virginia who came to Indiana Oct 1, 1868. he was drafted from Franklin Co VA for service in the confederate army, under Colonel Magruger of the 57th Regiment, Longstreet's Corps, Pickett's Division and he saw service in many of the greatest battles of the war, including Antittam, Gettysburg, Winchester and many of lesser note. Mr. Akers was previously married, his first wife dying April 26, 1884, and 12 chldren were born to that union, 7 survive: Charles J, a Baptist minister living in the state of Washington; Mrs Mildred Briton, a farmer in Putnam County and they have two children: Harvey and Clay; James C. Akers has remained single and is living in this county; Mrs. Sarah Jarvis lives in Parke County, Indiana; Silas Lee; Stock Yards, Indianapolis; Joseph A. lives in Jasper County; Mrs. Elizabeth C. Angus also lives in Jasper county, Indiana.