McGAN, Thomas J. - Putnam

Back to the early pioneer days in Putnam County is traced the ancestry of Thomas J. McGAN one of Russell Township's best known citizens owning a good farm here and a nicely arranged and well equipped jewelry store in Russellville, being one of the influential and substantial men of northwestern Putnam County. His birth occurred here Nov 24, 1844. He is the son of James McGan a native of PA who went to Ky, from which state in 1829, he came to Indiana locating in Russell Township, Putnam County when a young man. He first engaged as a laborer in a woolen mill which was operated here in the early days, in time getting a good start. He was married to Margaret EVERMAN, daughter of Michael Everman one of the oldest settlers of this county. He was the father of five children: Andy, Margaret, Betsy, Wesley and William all of whom are deceased. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. McGan bought 160 acres of land in Sec 5, adjoining the town of Russellville and engaged in farming and stock raising and fed a great deal of stock. He was a money maker form time to time added to his farm, owning a section of land, except one small tract, all in a body. In 1853 he erected on his original farm a very pretentious brick house for those days, a two-story, commodious construction. His wife preceded him to the grave dying Aug 17, 1872 his death occuring July 20, 1873. They are buried in Russellville Cemetery. 10 children were born to them: William born Sept 11, 1833 died Aug 23, 1862; Andrew J born Feb 2, 1853 died Sept 20, 1841; Eli V born July 14, 1836 died November 4, 1841; George W born April 8, 1838 died Nov 6, 1841; Mary born July 17, 1839 died Aug 1, 1840; James W born April 11, 1841 died Nov 14, 1841; Benjamin F born Oct 15, 1842 died Dec 29, 1874; Thomas J of this review, born Nov 24, 1844; Sarah born March 9, 1847 died Dec 9, 1847; Rachael born Feb 20, 1849; Rachael and Thomas J of this review being the only one s living. Thomas J. McGan was reared to manhood on his father's farm and received a common school education. Upon the death of his parents he heired the home place and he has continued to reside here to the present time. He engages very successfully in farming and stock raising keeping the old place very successfully in farming and stock raising, keeping the old place well improved and carefully tilled, so that the soil has not depreciated in strength and value. Mr. McGan has never married assumed the responsibilities of the married state and his sister, Rachel, now a widow, makes her home with him most of the time. She was twice married first to James Seneet, now deceased; her last marriage was to Howard Anderson. She has one child, William Senett, who is married and is living on a farm near Crawfordsville, Indiana. Six members of his father's family died with scarlet fever when young. As stated at the onset, Mr. McGan conducts a jewlery store at Russellville spending much of his time looking after the same; however, he lives on his farm. He enjoys a good trade with the surrounding community. He has the undivided respect of all his neighbors and has always been square in his business relations.