Articles
Source: Daily Greencastle Banner & Times 6 March 1895 p 2
THE SECOND MEETING – Historical Society – Revolutionary Soldiers
There were about 60 people at the second minor meeting of the Putnam County Historical Society. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Taylor after which he was excused on account of illness at home and Harry M. Smith acted as secretary protem during the meeting. The exercises were opened with music by the choir of the Christian Church after which LP Chapin led in prayer.
A paper was reported by the program committee from Mr. J. E. M. O'Hair, also one by Mrs. D. E. Williamson. They were by vote of the society carried over to the April meeting, when they will be given special places on the program. Hon. W. H. Ragan had the first regular place on the program, his subject being “Other Revolutionary Soldiers.” He prefaced his remarks by stating that his former paper on Revolutionary soldiers had attracted considerable attention over the county, especially when the county papers circulated, and he read two letters from Wm. Thornton Scott, of Holton, Kas., and Mrs. C. A. Hopkins, of Sarcoxie, Mo., former citizens of the county, and one from Isaac Cartright, of Fillmore. .Mr. Ragan then spoke as follows:
In the introductory to my paper entitled Some Revolutionary Soldiers, I read before this society at its February meeting. I expressed the hope that the investigation thus begun might ultimately lead to the discovery of all those who had lived within the limits of our county. Since those sketches were published, great interest has been manifested in the line of investigation suggested. A large number of names have been reported to the writer who are claimed as veterans of the Revolution. Some of these may not bear the scrutiny
of a searching investigation. Indeed in my second paper of the evening, it is only my present desire to present the full list, as given me, with such facts as may be at my command regarding their residence in our midst, thus hoping to call forth further information, on the receipt of which fuller sketches will be forthcoming. It is the desire of this society, in this way, to ultimately complete the roster of all Revolutionary soldiers who have ever resided within the limits of our county. As far as I am now able, I have arranged the following list of names by townships, but there are some of whom I have no data whatever further than the mere family name. These I present, as already suggested, hoping thereby to call forth further facts in the future. It will be seen, that this list is by no means complete, since several of the townships are yet to hear from:
Arthur Mahorney, a brother of Benjamin, already referred to, resided in Greencastle. He subsequently moved to Illinois.
Israel Perkins resided in the eastern portion of Greencastle township. Was buried in the old city cemetery.
John Cunningham also lived in this township, about two miles east of the city. He was buried on the farm now owned by James Bryan.
Thomas Walls lived in Greencastle. Was interred at the old cemetery.
Edward Talbott lived near the Junction and was hurled in the old cemetery, but since removed to Forest Hill.
Hardy Mills is supposed to have lived in this township.
Thomas (or John) Hight lived southeast of the city.
Wendal Grove lived south of the city on land now owned by William Peck’s heirs.
Mordecai Miller was a resident of Marion Township.
John Miller belonged also in Marion Township.
Thomas Jones, also a resident of Marion Township.
William Banks lived north of the city, perhaps in this or possibly in Monroe
Township. His grave is in the old cemetery and is plainly marked.
William Ford resided near Bainbridge in Monroe Township.
Peter Stoner was an early settler in Madison Township.
Thomas Tucker also resided in Madison Township.
Andrew McPheters lived and died in Madison Township.
Thomas Ogle, a pioneer of Madison Township.
Edward Parish also resided in Madison Township.
Abram Byrd’s home was in Floyd Township.
John Whitted, Thomas Grider and William Cornwell were residents of Franklin Township.
William Glazebrook, Isaac Armstrong and Thomas Richardson were known as belonging in Warren Township.
James Rhoten is claimed for Clinton Township.
George Hammer and John Walden died in the county and their wives made application through the circuit court for widows’ pension. These facts are record.
George Black – Leaton and – Stone have been suggested as names of Revolutionary soldiers having lived and died in the county.
It was resolved by vote of the society that Mr. Ragan’s paper and the other papers which had been given at previous meetings and at present meeting should be filed in the archives of the society. Mr. Ragan’s paper was discussed by Dr. JC Ridpath, who in commenting on the 31 Revolutionary soldiers of Putnam said the number was remarkably large and that ratio would show Indiana to have been the home of 3000 of the Revolutionary settlers, and that the northwestern territory would at the same rate have harbored 30,000 of them (sic – numbers do not seem to jive – kbz) He predicted that there was no parallel to the showing of Putnam County or any county west of the Alleghany mountains. Miss Nellie Matson sang “Last Rose of Summer” beautifully receiving liberal applause.
Hon James T. Denny gave the second paper of the evening, a “Historical Sketch of marion Township.” Mr. Denny stated that his paper was not infallible nor fully comprehensive as there were many things that should be introduced in a complete history of the township which time and uncertain dates prevented him using. He said the first entries of land were made in 1822-3-4 by Jonathan Rogers, Reuben Ragan, Reuben Smith, John Denny and others; among them George Short, James Denny, George Ligg, Geo. Gorham, Ambrose Day, Sarah Denny, Samuel Hazelett, Amos Hibbs and Washington Weatherford; four settling in 1822 the others in 1823-4. They chose the higher land; first Methodist meetings in 1823 and first stated preaching place in 1826 and in 1827 a site for church and school house was established. Rev. John Strange settled in 1829. A light taint of witchcraft was mentioned. In 1838 the last entries of land were made; quarterly meeting was held in a barn in 1826. The Baptists organized in 1836, the Christian in 1833; in 1841 the Missionary Baptist. In 1835 Washington School House appeared; Eli Lee and John Nosler were the first millers; FG Hardin now of this city was the first merchant of Fillmore. In mentioning the distinguished families that had sprung from Marion Twp. Mr. Denny mentioned the names of Ridpath, Ragan, Bridges and others. The paper took in great scope and was full of many interesting items concerning Marion Township – far too many for the limited space at our command. Dr. Ridpath and JRM Allen gave interesting talks on the township and its early citizens. The society transacted some minor business, thanked the singers
Source: Greencastle Star-Democrat 20 Nov 1908 p 6
The list of names of Revolutionary soldiers buried in Putnam County, recently published by the Herald has been carefully revised by TC Grooms and AO Lockridge. The committee desires to close this matter up by December first of this year and if there are no corrections or additions to the follow list it will then be reported to the Society of the Sons of the Revolution at Indianapolis which has charge of the preparation of the tablet to be placed in our courthouse.
Peter Stoner – William Cornwell – Jacob Grider – Abraham Stobaugh -- Silas Hopkins – Thomas Rhoten – William Banks – Isaac Armstrong – Jonathan Byrd – Benjamin Mahorney – William Denny – Samuel Denny – John Bartee – Nathaniel Cunningham – William McGaughey – John Walls – Thomas Jones – Laban Hall – John Walden – Robert Whitehead – Thomas Tucker – Isaiah Slavens – John Norman – Andrew McPheeters – Samuel Moore – George Hammer – John Buck – Charles Bowen – John McHaffie – William Brown.