NEWGENT, Thomas - Putnam

The Newgent family is traced back to pre-Revolutionary days and members of the same have figured prominently in VA, KY, PA and IN. William, George and Edward Newgent emigrated to Roanoke, VA before the war for American Independence. William and George went on to PA; Edward to Fauquier Co VA; he bought two emigrants from an ocean vessel who had readily sold themselves for passage and induced them to enter the army with him. Edward married a Miss Conway by whome he had 3 sons one daughter, Thomas Newgent of Putnam Co one of the sons was born in Fauquier Co VA June 10, 1770 and when 18 he crossed the mountains to KY with a surveying party. He married Philadelphia Spillman who was born July 30, 1772 and died Aug 10, 1823; she was the daughter of John Spillman, Culpepper Co VA and they were the parents of 11 children, all of whom lived to be past 54, all becoming heads of families: Charles lived in Parke County, Indiana, Frances came to Indiana, a widow and here married Thomas Boswell and lived to an old age, dying at Portland Mills; Sarah married James Collings and in about 1878 she was killed by a runaway team; they lived in CLinton Twp, where Mr. Collings died in the 50s; her only daughter, Edna Collings who is still living on the old homstead, single. Her brother, John Holland Collings recently deceased was a well read man, owning the first library in Putnam Co outside of Greencastle. Elizabeth, the oldest daughter of Thomas Newgent, lived in Parke County; Nancy is married and is living in Clinton Twp. Her son, Charles E. Webb, live sin Clinton Falls; Polly and her husband came to Clinton Twp and she died in Russell Twp, but left no children. In 1798 Thomas Newgent settled in Mercer Co KY. He was a surveyor and teacher. In the War of 1812 he enlisted from Franklin Co and was a Scout for Gen. William Henry Harrison. In the battle of Ft. Meigs, Frenchtown and Raisin River he proved a gallant fighter. It was interesting to hear him give a graphic description of the fights and Indian massacres he witnessed. His wife died n Shelby Co KY 1823. He later moved to Putnam Co IN and was the first teacher here the school he first taught being located where NO. 3 in Clinton Twp now stands. The death of this sterling pioneer and useful first settler occurred Feb 4, 1863 when he had reached the advanced age of 92 years 7 months 24 days. He was a member of the Methodist Church.