From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 580-581

Charles White was born in Edinburg County, Scotland, Oct. 6, 1820, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Watson) White. His mother died in 1823, leaving two sons, Charles and David. His father afterward married Fannie Gibbs, and to them were born six children -- Ann, William, Jesse, Fannie, James and Jane. When fourteen years of age, our subject was apprenticed to learn the trade of a machinist, and served four years, his only remuneration being his board. He was married in his native county, in 1845, to Marian White, also a native of Scotland, born Oct. 16, 1823. To them were born ten children, but four of whom are living -- Charles M., Lottie, wife of Jackson Little, Lillie and Annie. In the spring of 1850 he left his native heath and came to America in a sailing vessel. He located in New York, where he found employment in the navy yard, and the following fall sent for his wife. In August, 1853, he moved to Detroit, Mich., and in 1859, to Angola, Ind., where he was engaged in the manufacture of sewing machines. The following fall he purchased and removed to the farm where he now lives, a mile and a half from Fremont. May 10, 1862, he enlisted in Company M, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and participated in the battle of Salina, on the Cumberland River; was on the Morgan raid at the time 1,500 of his men were captured; the siege of Knoxville and all the engagements against Longstreet. The regiment was then dismounted and sent to reinforce Sherman's army, and participated in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Stone Mountain, siege of Atlanta and Stoneman's raid. They were captured at Macon, Ga., July 31, 1864, and confined in Andersonville three months, Miller six weeks, Savannah two weeks, Blackshear one week, and Thomasville, Ga., till May 1, 1865, when they were released and sent to Jackson, Fla. His son Charles M. was a member of the same regiment, and was with him in all his experiences. Mr. White was a charter member of Angola Lodge, No. 180, I.O.O.F., and is now a member of Steuben Lodge, No. 231. He has passed all the chairs and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge of the State. He is also a charter member of Heaton Encampment, No. 60, and of the Grange and Grand Army of the Republic. He has been Master of the Grange six years. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com