COLLINGS, John H. - Putnam

Among the well-remembered citizens of Putnam County who have finished their labors and gone to their reward, the name of John H. COLLINGS late of Clinton Township is deserving of especial notice. He was one of those sterling yeomen whose labors and self-sacrifice made possible the advanced state of civilization and enlightenment for which this section of the great commonwealth of Indiana is noted. His birth occurred May 7, 1840, 3/4 of a mile from his late home in Clinton Township, this county and after a useful and honorable carerr he was called to his reward Nov 15, 1903. He was the son of James and Sally Newgent Collings, the latter the daughter of Thomas Newgent, whose sketch in full appears elsewhere in this book. The Newgents have long been a well known family in this county. James Collings was born in Shelby County Kentucky and he and his bride were married in 1837 in the home of Edward Newgent, who had built the home in 1830 and with whom she was living. Edward lived for a time in Parke County, Indiana remaining on the farm until he was about 13. James Collings, who build the present home of the Collingses died Sept 2, 1858. He was born Nov 2, 1815. He and his wife were the parents of 4 children. In the Collings family there were the following John H of this review; William thomas married and went to Illinois in the 70s and died in Vermilion County that state age 38. Nancy married John M. Turner and lived in Parke COunty, Indiana; she was born Dec 25, 1845 was married Dec 28, 1867 and died December 27, 1889. Edna was the youngest child. She has passed her life on the place where she was born and in which vicinity she is well known and has a host of warm personal friends. John H. Collings spent his life on the home farm, which he began working when a mere lad attending the common schools during the winter months. He was an excellent student and a great reader all his life, keeping well abreast of the times in every way. He was quick to adapt himself to any line of work and was fairly successful at whatever he undertook. His views on religious matters were in accord with those promulgated by the Hard Shell Baptists. Politically he was a Democrat but was no politician. He delighted in perusing the best literature of the world and was an instructive and entertaining conversationalist. He had a well selected and valuable library where he spent a great deal of his time. He was a pleasant man to meet, gentlemanly, forceful, kind and a man who at once impressed the stranger with his weight of character and his mental endowments, yet he was plain and unassuming.