Crawfordsville Weekly Jounral Sat June 13, 1891 -- Judge SNyder decided last Sat that the will of the late Ludlow K. Thomas should be permitted to stand. Thomas was married 3 times and had 5 children by his first wife and one by his last. The child by his last weife is a small girl and by his will Mr. Thomas left his farm and property to be used for her benefit until she became of age. Then she was to receive $2,000 and the rest of the property to be divided among the other 5. His property was worth about $6500 adn the older children objected to his disposition of the property as they got much less than their younger half sister, while their mother, they assert, was the one who helped acquire the property. The objection to the probatingof the will is the first case of the kind ever tried in Montgomery Co and no similar case has ever been tried in Idnaian. The reason of this is that wills which are attached by the heirs are usually admitted to probate and then contested. The statues provide that this can be done.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Sat April 25, 1891 -- "Death's Harvest" -- Mrs. Julia Cook, aged 74 years, died Saturday night at the residence of W. W. Seawright on E. Wabash Avenue. The funeral occurred Tuesday morning at 1 0 o'clock, Rev. RJ Cunningham officiating. Interment at Oak Hill. Mrs. Cook was the widow of William Cook who died several years ago at Hamilton, Ohio. She was born in Hamilton and came to Crawfordsville when quite young where she remained until a few years ago when she and her husband removed to Hamilton. She returned after his death and has since lived with her sister, Mrs. Lucinda Lynn, the mother of Mrs. Seawright. She was a sister also of JN McConnell, Mrs. JH Benefiel and Mrs. George Snyder of Jamestown.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Sat April 25, 1891 -- "Death's Harvest" -- Mrs. Mary Southwell, aged 70 years died April 7 at her home north of the Monon station after a prolonged illness. Mrs. Southwell was 75 years old and was making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Flute McGilliard. She leaves one other daughter, Mrs. PF Hallorin, of Dayton, KY. FOr 18 years she has been a constant sufferer from rheumatism and 10 years ago asthma set in. Death was the result of an attak of the grip. She was the widow of the veteran railroader, Johnnie Southwell, who dropped dead about two years ago and who was known to everybody as the watchman of the Monon at the Market Street crossing.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Sat April 25, 1891 -- "Death's Harvest" -On April 16, Mrs. Catherine Hall, wife of Clay Hall died at her home 4 miles southwest of this city, of consumption in the 44th year of her age. The funeral occurred Saturday at 10:30 o'clock from the family residence, Rev. GW Switzer officiating. Interment at Oak Hill. Mrs. Hall was a most estimable lady revered by all for her many Christian virtues. She leaves a husband and three daughters. For a great part of her life she was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Sat April 25, 1891 -- "Death's Harvest" -Maggie Warbinton,a ged 24 years, the wife of Benjamin Warbinton, died on April 18 at her home on the corner of Plum & Jefferson Streets after a long and severe illness. The funeral occured Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Rev. JW Greene officiating. Mrs. Warbinton was the daughter of Levi Martin and a most affable young lady as well as a loving wife. She leaves her husband and two small children to mourn her irreparable loss.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Sat April 25, 1891 -- "Death's Harvest" --Newton Cowan died on April 19 at his home 8 miles NW of the city. He was about 40 years of age and a substantial citizen. The funeral took place Tuesday at Robert's Chapel, ther interment at Oak Hill cemetery.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Sat April 25, 1891 -- "Death's Harvest" -- John M. Eads, aged 35 years died in his home SW of the city Sunday night at 8 o'clock. The funeral occurred Tuesday at 10:30 o'clock at Browns Valley Rev JM Kendall officiating.

Smith, B. Wilson, et al. Past and Present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Indianapolis, Ind.: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1909 p 971 -- Martin P. Coyner -- As the name indicates, the Coyners are of German descent. Michael Coyner, great grandfather of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, having been a native of the Fatherland. He came to the US in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, making a somewhat adventurous and tardy voyage across the great Atlantic ocean, finally landing in PA where he became a prosperous farmer. During his residence there he made three trips back to the Fawtherland and when he was returning from his 3rd trip the ship was wrecked and a sister who was accompanying him was lost, he having escaped a similar fate in a very peculiar way - a strange caprice of fortune. Michael Coyner located first in PA, as already indicated but he later moved to VA where he farmed and also engaged in merchandising. He was married while living in the first-named state and became the father of a large family 8 children in all, 3 sons and 5 daughters. John D, father of Martin P of this review was born in Augusta Co VA and was six when his parents brought him to Ohio. When he reached manhood in 1832 he came to Indiana and having learned something of the tanner's trade, he, in partnership with his brother-in-law, started a little tanyard. In a short time he married Delilah Peterson and later moved onto a farm in Montgomery Co, this state where he prospered by reason of habits of close application to work and good management and he remained there until his death. He was a good man and highly respected and belonged to the Presbyterian Church. He was twice married. There were 3 children by his first marriage, namely: George W, who became a soldier in the 26th Reg Ind Vol Inf died in New Orlenas; Lucian D is residing in Montgomery County this state and Martin P of this review. Martin P. Coyner, a well known and progrsesive agriculturist of Lauramie Twp, Tippecanoe County was born in the adjoining county of Montgomery Dec 16, 1841 and was reared on his father's farm, which he worked during the summer months when he became of proper age, and attended the district schools during the wintertime securing a somewhat limited but practical education. When he reached manhood he chose as a life companion a representative of a fine old family in the person of Catherine McCartney and to this union 5 children were born, two of whom are living at this writing, namely Will, a progressive farmer in Lauramie Twp and Johnt he well known trustee of Lauramie Twp. Mr. Coyner has devoted the major part of his life to farming at which he made a marked success, but since 1893 he has not engaged in active agricultural pursuits. He has lived since then, first at Stockwell, later moving to Clark's Hill, where he now resides, having there a modern and nicely furnished residence which is beautifully lcoated. He also ran a tile factory for 10 years. He is now engaged in buying and shipping stock on an extensive scale which he has followed many years. He is regarded as an excellent judge of livestock and he has made a success in this line. Mr. Coyner is a member of the Land & Improvement Co of Clark's Hill, being VP of the same, and much of its success is due to his judicious counsel and mangement. He is also a membr of a gas company of Clark's Hill and whatever he turns his attention to he seems to have the ability to carry to a successful issue. In politics he is a Democart, but does not find time to take a very active part in political affairs. In everyday life, Martin P. Coyner's word, according to those who know him best, is as good as his bond, honesty and integrity being no meaningless words with him and his record as a citizen is without blemish.

Smith, B. Wilson, et al. Past and Present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Indianapolis, Ind.: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1909 p 969 -- Greenlead Norton Meharry - A well-rememberd and highly respected citizen of Jackson Twp, Tippecanoe Co In was the late Greenleaf Norton Meharry, than whom a more whole-souled or genteel gentleman it owuld have been difficult to find and as a result of his many admirable qualities he was held in high favor throughout the county. He was born in Fountain County, Indiana July 16, 1831, the son of James and Margaret ingram (Francis) Meharry, the former a native of Adams co ind and latter of Ireland. She came with her parents to the US when young and settled in Ohio where she married James Meharry and soon aftewrards came to Fountain Co In wher their son Greenleaf N. was born. Shortly afterwards his parents moved to Montgomery County, this state, where they lived on a farm until their deaths and are sleeping the last sleep in what is known as the Meharry Cemetery near Wingate, Montgomery County. they were the parents of 5 children, 4 of whom grew to maturity, one dying in childhood, Greneleaf N being the second in order of birth. The other children were Mary Agatha, Cornelia Bennett, Allen Wiley and James Alexander the only one living now being Allen. Greenlead Norton Meharry after receiving the usual schooling for a lad of his times and casting about for a time for a life work, chose as a helpmeet on oct 22, 1856, Letitia Meharry,t he wedding occuring in Canada. Mrs. Meharry was a native of Ontario, Durham Co her birth occurring March 21, 1835. She was educated in the schools of her native province. She attended two ladies' seminries and received an excellent education, which has since been supplemented by wide reading. mrs. Meharry is the daughter of Robert and Letitia Blackstock Meharry, both natives of Ireland. The father came to Canada with his parents when only 9; the other came tot his country with her paents when 3 years of age. The grandparents of Mrs. Greenlead N. Meharry all died in Wea Plains. Robert Meharry ws born in Co Cavan, Ireland June 16, 1810; his wife was born in that country Aug 24, 1816. They were married in Durham co Ontario Feb 29, 1832 in which country they remained all their married lives, being farmers by occupation. The father died Dec 28, 1878 at age 69; his widow survived him several years dying Dec 12, 1903, attaining the advanced age of 87. Both are buried in Durham co ontario. They were the parents of 12 children 7 daughters and 5 sons, 11 of whom grew to maturity, one having died in childhood. Mrs. Greenleaf N. Meharry being the 2nd of the number in order of birth. The others are: Mary Jane, ELizabeth B, Hugh Blackstock, Anna eliza, John Wesley, Matilda, Charltote, Jesse R. B., Rebecca, Palmer and Edward. 8 of thse children are now living. When Mr. and Mrs. Greenleaf N. Meharry were married they settled upon the farm where Mrs. Meharry now resides. It has been developed from very rough conditions to one of the best landed estates in jackson Twp. They set to work with a will and soon had a very comfortable home and a well improved farm which yielded an excellent income from year to year. Mr. Meharry was called from his earthly labors Aug 3, 1895 at the age of 65 years and was buried in the Meharry Cem in Montgomery County. He left his family well provided for, Mrs. Meharry now being the owner of 240 acres of fine farming land in Jackson Twp, all well improved with modern conveniences. She has a beautiful residence, nicely furnished and standing in the midst of attractive surroundings. General farming is successfully carried on, and Mrs. Meharry and two of her daughters, who have remianed single, preferring to live with thier mother, enjoy the society of a wide circle of friends in the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Greenleaf N. Meharry 9 children were born 4 daughters 5 sons, 3 of the number dying in childhood. those suvriving: Florence, who was born March 25, 1860 has remained single and a member of the home circle; Eddie E, who was born June 11, 1862, married Emma Lanfear and they reside in Colfax, McLean Co Ill; Robert E, who wasb orn Aug 30, 1864 married Belle Dvidson they reside in McLean Co Ill and are parents of one daughter, ada Lucile born July 5, 1894; Annie V, who was born dec 17, 1866 has remained single and is living at home; Ira GH who was born Aug 24, 1873 married Agnes D. Sayers, they reside in Tippecanoe Co and are parents of 3 children, Carrie L, Clare Alexander and Hugh; Judd, who was born Sept 5, 1878 married Ethel HIllis, they reside in Montgomery County and are parents of two children, Josephine Frances and Roy Hillis. These children all received every care and attention possible at the hands of their solicitous parents and are all well equipped and fairly well situated in reference to this world's affairs. Greenleaf N. Meharry was a Republican and although he took an active part in local political affairs, he never aspired to public office. In his younger days he was a member of the Good Templars order and a strong advocate of temperance. During the Civil War he was a member of the local organization known as the "Know-Nothings" the followers of which favored abolishing slavery. Mrs. Meharry and her children are active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church holding their membership at Shawnee Mound Church. Mr. Meharry was a liberal supporter of the Church and an active worker in the same, having been supt. of Sunday School and was both steward and trustee of the local church - in fact, he was a pillar in the same and is gratly missed. He had hosts of friends as a result of his public spirit, his industrious and upright life and his kindness. Mrs. Meharry and her daughters are also held in high esteem by all who know them and their pleasnat home is often the gathering place of numerous friends who ever find good cheer and hospitality prevailing there.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Evansville, Ind; Unigraphic, 1888, p. 565. Samuel Meharry, who is now living a retired life at Lafayette is a native of Adams Co Ohio the date of his birth being Dec 7, 1810. His parents, Alexander and Jane (Francis) Meharry, were born in north of Ireland of Scotch Ancestry. They were reared in Ireland where they lived until after their marriage coming to America in 1794 and locating in PA. They subsequently left Connelsville, PA going by river in a flat boat to Manchester, Adams Co Ohio where the father lived until his death which was caused by a tree falling on him as he was returning form a camp meeting, June 20, 1813. Three of his sons, Hugh, Thomas and James came to Indiana in 1827, and entered land in Montgomery County on which they settled in 1828. James Meharry was 29 days in making the trip from Ohio to this county. Samuel Meharry, our subject brought his mother to this county in 1843. She lived in Indiana until her death which occurred in Tippecanoe County, in August 1844. Samuel Meharry was reared in Adams County, Ohio on a frontier farm. In 1834 he entered land in Tippecanoe County, within 3/4 of a mile from Shawnee Mound, his first entry consisting of 40 acres. In 1846 he came to the county to settle on this land, which he found to be raw prairie, entirely unimproved. The fall of his arrival in the county he saw thousands of people in Lafayette, the canal having just been completed, but only two faces he saw that were not pale with ague. He came to the county with a small capital, and by his industrious habits and good management he accumulated a large amount of property. When but 17 or 18 yeaers of age he took a deep interest in the slavery question, often debating it at school, taking the prohibition side. HIs brother, Rev. Alexander meharry, who was a preacher in Cincinnati informed Mr. Braden, pres of the Central Tenn College that Samuel was a strong abolitionist. Mr. Braden called on our subject and after informing him of the condition of slaves in the south, Samuel Meharry gave him $100 for a nucleus toward the building of a medical college int he South for the education of negro physicians. The college was located at Nashville, and the medical department named the Meharry Medical College. Since his first donation toward this worhty object he has given several thousand dollars and his brothers have donated even more. Mr. Meharry was married in Adams Co Ohio Jan 20, 1836 to Miss Mary Samsberry who died June 29, 1840. Two children were born to this union, both now deceased. Mr. Meharry was married a second time May 9, 1844 to Miss Rebecca Bower a native of Brown Co Ohio. they have no children living but have reared a numbr of poor children. They lived on their farm in Tipp Co until Nov 14, 1882 when they removed to LaFayette where they are classed among the honored and most esteemed citizens. Mr. Meharry has been a methodist from his boyhood and for many years connecte with the Shawnee church.

Bowen, A.W. History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis, IN: Bowen, 1913, p. 449 (Coal Creek Twp) -- James Meharry was also a settler in the township - one of the early ones to claim government land. Hugh Meharry, one of the most successful men in this county, entered his land in 1827, the same being the SE quarter of Sec 3, Rg 6W. In 1828 he brought his young wife to his slab and canvas house in which they lived one year. He owned his land, had $20 in money, one horse and one ox, yet through his untiring energy, with that of his good companion, he finally possessed 20,000 acres of valuable land. He had to go to Terre Haute to mill and during his absence of 5 days his wife had to remain alone in the tent-house and hear the howling wolves beside her rude home. In 1881, the original claim of Mr. Meharry was owned and occupied by his son, Alexander. p. 508 - It is claimed that the first horse thief detective society in the west was organized in Montgomery Co. In the autumn of 1844 a great many horse thieves were in the habit of passing through CC twp and stealing the farmers' horses and to put stop to their depredations about 15 of the leading men living in the NW part of the township met at a locust grove on the Meharry land, near the Tippecanoe Co line and there formed themselves into an associaiton which they called "The Council Grove Minute Men." A constitution and by laws were dran up by Jesse Meharry and Cyrus J. Borum. At the session of the legislature in 1848, through the influence of John W. Dimmitt, then a member of the lower house frmo Montgomery Co an act was passed to incorporatet his company, and give its members while in pursuit of criminals all the power and authority of constables. The charter members whose names are set out in the act referrred to are: James Gregory, William Casseboom, Absalom Kirkpatrick, James Meharry, Jesse Meharry, Christian Coon, Elias Moudy, John M. Thomas and Edward McBroom. In 1881, the only living member of these 1st member was Jesse Meharry, but the society was still in existence and kept criminals from the devilish work.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Aug 9, 1895 -- The chief work of interest Monday was the caucus of the Republican members of the new board for the purpose of nominating a county superintendent to take the office upon election Sept 2. This action has been requested by the candidates as those who were to be defeated wished to obtain schools to teach. After the election in sept would be too late for this. There were numerous candidates presented for consideration. They were: WW Ewing, DH Gilkey, Fred Maxwell, George Brewer, Walter S. Slavens, WB Rodman, Ward Walkup and EE Vanscoyoc. Arthur Fraley withdrew from the contest Saturday. The preliminary caucus was held i the morning and at that meeting a paper was given out to be signed by all the candidates pledging them to sustain action taken at the afternoon caucus. The caucus then adjourned until 3 o'clock. At the appointed time the caucus met in Trustee Symmes' office and proceeded to ballot for a nominee. There were 11 ballts, taken and on the last Goerge E. Brewer principal of the Ladoga HS was nominated. On Sept 2 he will be regularly elected. Mr. Brewer is a young man of the qualifications and will make an excellent Superintendent. he is a son of Ed Brewer of this city and will remove his family to this city. The members of the caucus refuse to state how the previous ballots stood. It is known that Supt. JS Zuck will not surrender his office until next October when the Supreme Court will pass on the validity of the superintendents' law. The newly elected superintendent will set up a rival office, however, sept 2, and will be recognized by the State Superintendent of Public instruction who will forward to him the questions for the Sept examination and will transact other business with him.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Fri Aug 9, 1895 -- Robert H. Weir, of Ripley Twp Democrat was born in Montgomery Co near Alamo Sept 10, 1858, received the educational instruction in later years that the township schools were able to afford. His vocation from choice has always been that of a practical farmer and he has been eminently successful, maintaining a high standing in the township.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Fri Aug 9, 1895 -- "Franklin Twp" Daniel Lewis of Franklin, Republican was born in Ripley Twp 4 miles west of Yountsville, March 15, 1862. He moved to Darlington in 1870 and has since resided there. He completed a common school education at Darlington spent one year in Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso and was graduated from a business college in Cleveland, OH in 1879. he was immediately employed by Bowers & Tribbett in their elevator at Darlington and was appointed telegraph operator at Colfax by the Vnadalia & Big 4 RR in Oct 1881. He was appointed telegraph operator and station agent of the Vandalia at Darlington Jan 1, 1894 and resigned the same Sept 1, 1894. When the People's Bank of Darlington was organized in 1893 he was elected President of the same. In August 1891, he engaged in dry goods and general merchandise business in Darlington with Albert Cox as partner. In 1893 the firm of Cox & Lewis built a new store room in dalrington 40 x 100' which is conceded by all to be the finest and best arranged store room in Montgomery County. Mr. Lewis is a popular and progressive citizen and no man stands higher.

Crawfordsville Weekly Jounral Fri Aug 9, 1895 -- Brown Twp -- CA Kleiser, of Brown, Republican was b in 1857 at Waveland, Brown Twp which place has always been and is now his legal residence. He acquired his education in the Waveland Collegiate Institute, directing his attention more particularly to those branches which would prepare him for the profession of a school teacher. Since the completion of his education in 1875 he has been engaged in this profession for 19 years, teaching six years in the country schools of Brown Twp and 12 consecutive yers in the public schools of Waveland. In 1878 he took a year's vacation in California and other Western states. He is a Republican in principle and was elected township trustee on this ticket in 1894. He is unmarried and is a son of Joseph Kleiser, with whom he resides at the old Kleiser homestead 1/2 mile east of Waveland. Mr. Kleiser is the handsome member of the new board and is an all around good man.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, Aug 9 1895 -- GW James, of Scott Twp, Democrat was born April 9, 1844 in madison Co KY and came to Indiana with his parents when about 2 year sold. He has lived in Montgomery County from that time up to the present except 4 years in Kansas. He married in Kansa to henrietta Sterpy in 1872. To them were born 5 children, all now living, four boys and one girl. Mr. James served in Scott Twp as JP 8 years, as postmaster at Parkersburg 9 years at Lapland 3 years. His occupation is farming and merchandising. He has been prominently identified with the history of Scott Twp.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Aug 9, 1895 -- Sugar Creek WH Custer, trustee of Sugar Creek Twp, was elected on the Republican ticket. He was born in Walnut Twp this county on Nov 10, 1841 a son of Robert Custer one of the old pioneers of Montgomery County. When the war broke out he enlisted under Gen MD Manson in Co B 10th Ind Inf serving 3 long years. After returning home he was married to the daughter of Joshua Cox Jan 2, 1867. To them were born three children, two sons an one daughter. Mr. Custer resided in Darlington for 3 years being in the hardware business. He then moved to Sugar Creek Twp his present home 23 years ago. By economy and close application to business he has acumulated a farm of 200 acres and has a beautiful home with good barns and outbuildings, and latest modern improvements in water priviliges. He has made his life a success and has won by his straightforwardness coutesy and hospitality. He cast his first vote for Lincoln for his 2nd term in 1864. He has beena zealous and ardent worker in the party ever since.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Aug 9, 1895 -- Coal Creek - EB Morrow, Coal Creek was born near ELmdale, formerly known as Boston Store on AUgust 30, 1865, being the younger of two brothers yet living of a family of 11 children. His entire life thus far has been passed in Coal Creek Twp as school boy, farm hand, mill hand and teacher, having followed the last vocation for 8 consecutive years. His stock of kowledge was absorbed in our common schools and in old Coal Creek's shady glens and clinched down by a 10 weeks' course in the Ladoga Normal under the safe guidance of Professors Warfel and Crumpacker. He was married to Lizzie, the second daughter of LB McClamrock on Thanksgiving evening of 1889. They reside one and one quarter miles north of Wingate, on a part of the farm known as the Wm. Henry farm. Mr. Morris is of course a Democrat and is a gentleman well liked by all. His school work will be of great value to him in his administration.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Aug 9, 1895 -- C.A. Minnich, the popular new Republicn trustee of old Walnut was born in New Castle, Craig Co VA in 1852. he emigrated to Indiana in 1872 and for 23 years has been a resident of Montgomery County and Walnut Twp. He lived in VA during the war when opportunities for education were very poor at that time the state having no free schools. He has risen from obscurity by his own personal efforts. His father was taken away when the subject of our sketch was but 10 years old by the cruel effects of war. Mr. Minnich is one of the conservative and substantial citizens of Walnut. He has true Southern hospital and is justly popular in the community in which he lives.

Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Aug 9, 1895 - M. Rhoads, the new trustee of Clark is a staunch Democrat. He was born in Logan Co Ohio in 1846, but came to Montgomery County with his paernts in 1848, residing here ever since. He was educated in the Ladoga schools and lived on a farm until 26 years old. He then opened a bakery and grocery store in Ladoga following that business for 20 years. At the present time he is in the brick business. He was married to Miss Kate Parks in 1882 and they have two children, a girl 20 and a boy 4. Mr. Rhoads is regarded as an excellent gentleman in every way.