ANDERSON BIGGER

Leader: September 14, 1939

The following is a summary -- really just notes-- taken from the obituary for Anderson Bigger which was published by the Leader, which was a Spencer, Owen County, weekly paper. It was the Wednesday, September 14, 1939 issue. Anderson Bigger died at age 68. He was a native of Owen County, born at Freedom. He was a hardwood floor finisher. He has a son George of Goodland. One daughter -- no name. Brothers are John and Denver. Sisters are Anna Arthur, Lizzie Lucas and Josephine Scott.

Posted by Pamela Meyer

LOWERY WESTFIELD BROWN

unknown newspaper

Submitted by Debbie Jennings

Just eighty-four years ago this day, September 27, 1865, a son was born to Francis M. and Susan C. Brown on a farm west of Cataract. he was given the name of Lowery Westfield Brown. His education consisted of the common school, such as was available in that day.On August 19, 1886, he was united in marriage to Alice Lovina Asher. This happy union continued for sixty-three years. Born to this family were three children, a son and two daughters, Charles F. of Spencer, Nola Florence Gross of Cloverdale, and Vandia Edith, who died at the age of ten months, on September 14, 1894.His survivors are his wife , two children, four grandsons, seven great grandsons, and two great granddaughters. Mr. Brown became a member of the Mt. Pleasant M.E. Church, near Cataract early in life. In the General Epistle of 1st James, 27th verse, we read-Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.This he has faithfully tried to do throughout his entire life. Mr. Brown, lived and enjoyed farming during his active life.After several years of failing health, his earthly pilgrimage was ended at his home in Cataract on Sunday morning at 8:20, September 25, 1949. Being the last of his family one brother, Ezra and a sister, Vandia. ---------------------Card of ThanksWe sincerely wish to thank all who were so thoughtfull of us during the illness and death of our dear husband and father. All the kindesses which were shown will long be remembered. The Family.

SERVICES FOR MINOR BRANHAM HELD SATURDAY

Minor Branham, R. R. 1, Spencer, died in Union Hospital at Terre Haute at seven o'clock Thursday morning, February 8. He had been ill several months. Mr. Branham had lived in this community all of his lifetime. He wa a cement finisher. Mr. Branham was a member of the Freedom Baptist Church. He was born September 7, 1896, in Morgan County, the son of George Branham and Ola Myers Branham. He was married to the former Miss Lucille Denton. He is survived by his widow, Lucille Branham; two sons, Harlan Branham, Martinsville; George Max Branham, Indianapolis; two daughters, Nedra Morley, Freedom, Mary Joe Wallace, Spencer; 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. One daughter Tulie Branham Parkhurst, preceded him in death in 1938. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the West & Son Funeral Home with the Rev. M. B. McClure of the Spencer Methodist Church officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery. Owen Leader, Feb. 15, 1962.

Posted by Marsha Pearson

DEATH OF WILLIAM BOOTH

Owen County Democrat Thursday February 3, 1910

Submitted by Debbie Jennings

William Booth was born January 14, 1856 and died January 29, 1910, being 54 years and 15 days

old. He was united in marriage to Katherine Corter, September 14, 1881. To this union were

born three children; Clifton, Pearl and Raymond, whom with their mother survive to mourn

the death of husband and father. He leaves an aged mother, three sisters and five brothers.

Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery.

EPHRAIM M. BARNES

Owen County Leader Wednesday August 31, 1921

Submitted by Debbie Jennings

Ephraim M. Barnes, 80 years old, for many years a prosperous farmer of this county, died Friday at the home of Mr and Mrs James "Bud" Fender, after eleven years of invalidism due to paralysis. For the past several years he has been helpless. For a time he was cared for at the Spencer Hospital and lately he has been under the care of Mrs. Bud Fender. During all his long period of illness, he never lost his cheerful and happy outlook and was always highly pleased when friends called to see him. Following his death, his body was taken to the home of his son, Stephen Barnes, on the old home place, where funeral services were held Sunday at 4:30 pm. Interment was made in the Barnes Cemetery near the home. Ephraim M. Barnes, son of Isaac and Susanna Barnes was born May 12, 1841 and died Aug 26, 1921 at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 14 days, the last member of a family of nine children. He was born and reared southwest of Spencer on the farm then owned by his father, one of the early settlers of this community and now owned by his son and grandson. He united with the Whites Bethel ME Church under the pastorate of the Rev. McAlister during the winter of 1894. Twenty years ago, after the marriage of the last son, he and his wife left the farm to their sons and moved their residence and church membership to Spencer. On January 5, 1865 he was married to Sarah M. Johnson, daughter of Henry and Julia Johnson, another early settler family. To this union Silas E, Milton A, Stephen, Joseph A and Harry C were born. Three of these children died in early childhood. Harry on Nov 10, 1918. One son, Stephen, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren are living. Wayne, a grandchild, is the only surviving member of the Harry Barnes family.

ISAAC DANIEL BARNES

Yates Center News January 3, 1930

Submitted by Charlotte Barns Lewin

Isaac Daniel Barnes was born near Spencer, Ind., October 21, 1859. He grew to manhood in the state of his nativity, and in 1881, was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Taylor. To this union six children were born, one dying at the age of 16 years. The surviving children are: Elmer E., Walter L., Mrs. Ben Heinlen, Miss Emma, all of Yates Center, and Otis T. of Iola. After his marriage he moved to Nebraska, later to Colorado, and 35 years ago to Woodson county, Kansas, settling in the vicinity of Yates Center, where he resided since. He with his familiy, experienced many of the hardships and privations in early years incident to pioneer life. At the age of 13 years he was converted and lived a consistent life, commanding the respect of all who knew him. He believed in exeprimental (that is how the paper spelled it) religion. The day before his departure he expressed the necessity of yielding heart and life to God in eary life and abiding faithful to the end. His peace with God was made, and he was ready to depart and he with his Redeemer. Years ago he contracted asthma, which caused him a great deal of distress in later years. A complication of diseases finally terminated his career. He fell asleep Tuesday morning, Dec 24, 1929, at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 3 days. Besides companion, he is survived by five children, 6 grandchildren, 1 brother and 4 sisters. Funeral service was held at the Evangelical church, Friday afternoon, Dec 27, 1929, conducted by M. C. Platz. A large concourse of people assembled to pay their respect to his memory. Interment was made in the Yates Center cemetery.

MATILDA JANE BARNES

Yates Center News Thursday, September 9 1948

Submitted by Charlotte Barns Lewin

Matilda Jane Barnes, daughter of Charles M. and Elizabeth Taylor was born near Spencer, Ind., on November 18, 1862. She was united in marriage to Isaac Daniel Barnes also of Spencer, Ind. on November 12, 1881, and to this union six children were born. One son preceded her in death. The remaining children are Elmer E. Barnes, Yates Center, Walter L. Barnes, of the New York Valley community, Mrs. Clara D. Heinlen, Yates Center, Mrs Emma A Withers, Hillsboro, North Dakota, and Otis T. Barnes, Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Barnes, with her husband, moved from Indiana to Nebraska and lived in that state about two years. Then they went to Colorado where they stayed until 1894. The family then came to Yates Center and resided for about two years on a farm four miles northeast of the town. Then a move was made to the New York Valley community where they lived until their retirement in 1919 from the farm, moving into Yates Center to 401 South Grove. She was converted when a girl adn joined the Methodis church. She was a member of that church until she moved to the New York Valley community, then transferred to the Church of God. After moving to Yates Center she became a member of the Evangelical church and was so until her death. The last nine weeks of her life was spent with her son, Otis, in Kansas City, where all human love and help that was possible was granted her. She passed away Spetember 1, 1948 at the age of 85 years, 9 months, and 12 days. Besides the five children, she is survived by 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one sister in Indiana and other relatives. Her husband passed away December 24, 1929. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, September 3 at the Evangelical U.B. church with Rev. E. F. Boehringer in charge, and the pastor, Rev. David W. Bletscher, assisting. The Ministerial quartett sang "Christian's Good Night" and "In That Land So Far Away" with Mrs. Walter Weider at the piano. Burial was in Yates Center cemetery.

MRS CYNTHIA A. BARNES

Owen County Democrat, 15 Apr 1926

Submitted by Charlotte Barns Lewin

Mrs Cynthia A. Barnes, aged 81 years, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dan Lucas, west of Spencer Friday, following an illness of pneumonia. She is survived by a son, James J. Smith of Freedom, four daughters, Mrs. Walker Wood, Mrs. Dan Lucas, Mrs. Cyrus Galimore all of Spencer and Mrs. Cliff McKee of Linton, two step sons, E. T. Barnes of DeLand, Florida and Daniel Barnes of Yates Center, Kansas, a brother J. B. Workman of Terre Haute and two sisters, Mrs. S. N. Chambers and Miss Amanda Workman of Patricksburg. Mrs. Barnes¹ fine quality of character endeared her to a large circle of friends who regret to learn of her death. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. W. Shields of Terre Haute, a former pastor at Freedom M. E. church. Interment was at River Hill cemetery.

MRS CYNTHIA A. BARNES #2

Owen County Democrat, 15 Apr 1926

Submitted by Charlotte Barns Lewin

Cynthia A. Barnes, daughter of Otho and Catherine Workman, was born in Coshockton County, Ohio, June 21, 1844 and died April 9, 1926 at the age of eighty-one years, nine months and nineteen days. She was the oldest of a family of eight children, all of who have preceded her in death except one brother and two sisters. The surviving brother being Joseph B. Workman of Spencer, Ind., and the sisters Mrs. Josephine Chambers and Miss Amanda Workman of Patricksburg, Ind. She was married to James A. Smith March 24, 1872, and to this union were born two children, William E. and James J. The husband died in 1875, and William E. died at the age of seventeen years. She was married to William L. Barnes July 26, 1877, and to this union were born five children: Otho, who died in infancy; Mrs. Dan V. Lucas and Mrs. Walker Wood of Spencer, Ind.; Mrs. S. E. Galimore of Bloomington, Ind. and Mrs. H. C. McKee of Linton, Ind. The last four named together with James J. Smith and two step children, E. T. Barnes of DeLand, Fla. and I. D. Barnes of Yates Center, Kans. survive. There are eight grandchildren, ten step grandchildren and one great grandchild. She united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of thirteen years and lived a devoted christian life, as exemplified in her kind and unassuming manner. She was always happiest when serving others. She was no respecter of persons and all who came were made to feel the strength of her christian character.

JOHN BEATTY OBIT/NEWS STORY

TRAIN CUTS OFF HEAD OF JASONVILLE MAN

John Beatty's body Found on the Southern Indiana Tracks at Latta Yards

Jasonville, Ind..Jan 25, 1909

John Beatty, a young man of about twenty-five years of age, was killed at the Latta yards, one-half mile south of this place some time Saturday night by the midnight coal train on the Southern Indiana railroad. Beatty, who lived in Coalmont, had gone to Linton on the evening passenger Saturday night and told some of his friends that he would return on the coal train which passes through Coalmont late in the night. His body was found at about four o'clock Monday morning by a switch crew which had been called out early. The body when found was lying alongside the rail with the head cut off; the left foot and left forearms also were cut off. The switch crew brought the body to the undertaking establishment of H. W. Foreman in this city. After daylight, the undertaker went to the place where Beatty had been killed and after a search found Beatty's head which had rolled down an embankment. Beatty was identified by a letter written by a Linton girl and addressed to John Beatty care of Vigo County Jail, Terre Haute. Beatty had just served a forty-five day jail sentence in the Terre Haute jail for carrying concealed weapons. John Beatty is the son of Herrod Beatty who was the first-born son of Marshall Beatty and Mary Ann Peyton. This article is the exact wording as recorded in the Terre Haute Tribune.

Posted by Loretta Teeters

JESSE BOWEN/CLAUDE HIXON

Both instantly killed near Greencastle

The Republican (Danville, Indiana) Thursday, October 15, 1914 page 1

In Early Dusk of Stormy Evening They Drove in Front of Passenger Train Jesse Bowen, of North Salem, and Claude Hixon, of Bainbridge, were instantly killed by a Vandalia train at the Almeda crossing on the Stilesville road, 1 ½ miles east of Greencastle, late Thursday evening. The men were in an automobile coming toward Greencastle from Fillmore. Darkness had come on early because of a storm and rain was falling. They had a few minutes before put up the top of their machine and then hurried on to their death. Two theories were advanced as causes of the accident. One was that Bowen killed the engine to the machine while on the track and after he saw the approaching passenger train, and the other was that on account of the top of the machine being up, neither of the men saw the train nor the tracks until too late to avoid the collision. The train was the west bound passenger due in Greencastle at 5:24. It was on time and so the accident occurred about 5:20. The [Greencastle] Banner says there were two witnesses near the scene of the accident, they being C.P. Broadstreet, who was almost immediately behind the car in his own machine and Will Jones, who was near, in a buggy. Mr. Broadstreet had been to his farm and he said as he neared the trees in front of the James Bridges farm he saw the men putting up their auto top because the rain storm had broken. They started west before Mr. Broadstreet reached them and drove directly onto the track in front of the passenger train, which as a rule makes at least 50 miles an hour at this point. Mr. Jones said when the automobile passed him, it was running at a rapid rate of speed, and the chances are that neither of the men saw the train, or it might have been that neither knew they were near a railroad track. Neither of the bodies was thrown clear of the track and from the way they were mangled the entire train must have passed over them. Mr. Bowen's body was in such a condition that it would have been impossible for his most intimate friends to have recognized him, and the condition of Mr. Hixon's body was bad, but not as bad as that of his friend. Mr. Bowen's head was crushed and partly gone, his body was cut in twain near the waist, and the lower extremities were terribly mutilated. Mr. Hixon's head was cut from the body and he was otherwise badly mutilated. The train, which was in charge of Engineer Fred Wood and Conductor Silas Litterall, was stopped and the bodies picked up and brought to Greencastle, where they were taken in charge by the A.B. Hanna undertaking establishment and prepared for burial. Mr. Bowen was the son of James Bowen, of North Salem, and recently had clothing stores at Bainbridge and North Salem. He closed out the Bainbridge store and recently sold the North Salem store. He then became a salesman for an automobile company. He and a Miss Harshbarger, living near Roachdale, were married last Christmas. The body was sent to North Salem Thursday night and the funeral was Saturday. Mr. Hixon was the manager of the True & True lumber yard at Bainbridge. He left a wife and small son. His funeral was Saturday morning from the home of his parents in Greencastle and the body taken to Roachdale for burial. Thursday morning, Mr. Bowen drove to Bainbridge where he met Mr. Hixon who spoke of having business at Fillmore and Mr. Bowen offered to drive him down. This is how they happened on the fatal trip. Mr. Hixon's body was identified through his name being on the coat he wore. Bowen's identity was not known until a message from Bainbridge told who had accompanied Mr. Hixon. Mr. Hixon was 24 years of age and Mr. Bowen, 21. The automobile was a total wreck except the engine which was damaged but slightly. The top of the machine was taken off the locomotive when the train was stopped. There is a clear view of the crossing in persons coming from the east and it is evident that neither of the men was looking for the track or the crossing. The people who saw the accident or were nearby heard the train whistle for the crossing and whistle again when the engineer saw the machine approaching the crossing without showing any sign of stopping.

Posted by Debbie Jennings

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