Genealogy Trails
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA
OBITS




Philander H. Boyd, one of the oldest and wealthiest citizens of Hancock County, died at his family residence here today. He has been ill for months, having taken the grip, which was followed by heart trouble. He was born in Wayne County Oct.10, 1817. He removed to this county soon after his marriage to Catherine Kepler, of Wayne County in 1839. Nine children were born to them, four of whom are now living, a son and 3 daughters, all of this city. He organized the Citizen’s Bank in 1874, and has been president ever since. He owned over 1,700 acres of land, many pieces of town property and much personal property. His estate is valued at $200,000. He had done much toward building up the city. The first gas well in Hancock County was drilled on his farm 10 yrs ago last may. Mr. Boyd was always found at his bank every day until his present sickness. The coldest days of winter had no terrors for him and he seldom, if ever, wore and overcoat. The funeral will take place Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Mr. Boyd was not identified with any lodge or church, but was an honest and upright citizen, with a host of friends.
9-01-1897 Philander H. Boyd, Wealthy Baker of Greenfield. Greenfield. IN. Aug. 30, 1897

WESTLAND, Ind., March 9 1896 - John Parker, a wealthy farmer, residing four miles east of this place, after a lingering illness died Saturday evening, aged seventy. He was a pioneer of that section of the country. He was one of the will be held at the Walnut Ridge Church, near his home, tomorrow.

Henry Johns, farmer and implement dealer near Wilkinson, in an attempt to cross a railroad track had his buggy struck by an engine. He was thrown 60 feet and received injuries from which he died.
Warren Republican Feb. 21 1895

Name of Deceased: William Mitchell County Name: Hancock State: IN
Newspaper: The Indiana State Journal, (Indianapolis, IN) Wednesday, April 12, 1899; pg. 2
Obit: William Mitchell, the Veteran Blind Editor of Greenfield. Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
GREENFIELD, Ind., April 7. -William Mitchell, aged seventy-five, an old resident of Hancock county, owner and publisher of the Hancock Democrat, passed away this morning. He was born in Mason county, Kentucky, Aug. 15, 1823. His father, John F. Mitchell, was born at Washington, Ky., in, 1791, in a fort built by Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone, and was married to Enfield Ralls in 1820. William was educated in Maysville and learned the printers' trade, after which he traveled in various parts of the United States as a printer. Occasionally, when tired of travel, he would stop at some place to publish a paper for a time, and then again renew his rambles. In 1849 he located in Cincinnati, and in 1852 he married Calesty Long, an orphan girl. This union resulted in a large family of children, fifteen in all, six of whom are dead. The eldest, John F., has the management of the Hancock Democrat at the present time. Mrs. Mitchell-died in this city Sept. 25, 1892. About this time, Mr. Mitchell had the misfortune of losing his eyesight. Mr. Mitchell was originally a Whig and then a Democrat. In the spring of 1856 he came to Greenfield, where he resided until his death. In 185? he began the publication of the Hancock Democrat. He served as postmaster for several years, and at another time he was appointed county recorder. The funeral will be held Sunday at 11 a. m., at the Christian Church. Rev. T. H. Kuhn officiating.
Submitters Name: Candi

New Albany Ledger Standard 28 Aug 1872 p4 c4: A Horrible Death. Sunday morning, Mrs. Maria Alexander, who lives in Philadelphia, four miles west of Greenfield, Ind., came to her death in a horrible manner. In building a fire she used coal oil for the purpose of kindling; while pouring it from a can, it became ignited from coals that had remained in the stove, causing an explosion;. The burning fluid was thrown over her clothing setting fire thereto. Before assistance could be rendered her body was burned to a crisp. She died in a short time.
Contributed by Sue Carpenter

Father McCarthy's Funeral
Springfield, Mass., Dec. 9— Seven thousand people are present to-day at the funeral services In Greenfield, over the  remains of Rev. Jeremiah McCarthy, the Catholic priest shot down at his residence Saturday night last
Date: 1881-12-10; Paper: Indianapolis Sentinel

Suicide.
The coroner yesterday called to Maywood to hold an inquest on the body of Mathias Roland, The deceased was over 60 years of age, and resided at Greenfield, but had been visiting friends near Maywood. A few days ago he told some  friends that be had a notion to commit suicide, and when he disappeared Tuesday it was feared that he had drowned  himself. The river was dragged yesterday morning and the body found. The jury found that the deceased committed suicide by drowning, and that he  was of unsound mind.
Date: 1878-08-15; Paper: Indianapolis Sentinel

Mrs. Anna Harris Dead.
(Special to the News)
BRIGHTON Ind. June 24- J.S.  Harris received a telegram Thursday from   Ansley, Nebraska, annoucing the death of his  mother, Mrs  Anna Harris.  Her death was due to Infirmities of old age The Harris family for many years was residents of   Greenfield township later they moved to Nebrsaka, where they now live, Mr. Harris having died several years ago.
Date: 1918-06-24; Paper: Fort Wayne News Sentinel

GREENFIELD, Ind.. Nov. 6—The body of Mrs. Florence Howard Martin, widow of the late Dr. Samuel M. Martin, arrived In this city to-day. She and her family moved to Colorado, last year after a residence of a year or more in Indianapolla, but the climate not proving satisfactory, Mrs, Martin was on her way back .to her old home, in Greenfield when she became seriously ill and stopped In Denver, where, on Saturday night, she died from heart failure. The funeral will occur Wednesday at 3 p. m. from the home of her brother. Dr. K. B. Howard, conducted by Rev. F. M. Stone, of the M. B. Church.
Date: 1899-11-08; Paper: Indiana State Journal

Dr. H. J.  Bogart, a Greenfield Pension Examining Surgeon
GREENFIELD Ind., May 30,—Dr. H. J.Bogart, aged sixty-four, died at his home, In this city at 11 a. m. to-day, from hemorrhage of the stomach. He was taken ilI Saturday with internal  hemorrhage. He leaves a widow and a stepdaughter,  Mrs. George Winslow, who resides near Charlottsville. Dr. Bogart was in the Union army as a surgeon during the war, in a New York regiment. He came to Indiana after the war and has been at Carthage the greater part of the time. A few years ago he moved to Greenfield. He was a Mason and examining surgeon of the Pension Boards His funeral will be held at 10. a- m. Tuesday, at the M. E. Church, with the burial at Knightstown.
Date: 1898-06-01; Paper: Indiana State Journal

DAWSON - Died in Greenfield Ind, Sunday evening Jan 10 1875, Mrs. Rebecca E. Dawson, wife of Mr. Henry Dawson, of that  place. The deceased will be buried at Indianapolis on Tuesday Jan 12. The corpse will arrive at the Union Depot at 1:15  p.m. The friends of the family are invited to be at the depot without further notice.
Date: 1875-01-12; Paper: Indianapolis Sentinel

Prosocuting -Attorney Dead.
Greenfield Aug. 13.—John L. McNew, county prosecuting attorney, died yesterday afternoon at his father's home near Wilkinson, this county, after a lingering illness.
Date: 1895-08-15; Paper: American Nonconformist

Name of Deceased: Samuel Edward Lewis
Newspaper: The Fortville Tribune, November 29, 1928
Obit: Samuel Edward Lewis, son of John A. and Margaret Lewis, was born in Franklin county Indiana, March 25, 1871, moving to Fortville with his parents while still a mere boy. From then on he made his home in this vicinity. Here he grew to manhood, making many acquaintances and surrounding himself with a host of friends. All who knew him admired his character, always honest and trusting with his fellow men, loving and kind to his family, always ready to give a helping hand to any in need. His tender sympathy was always a solace in time of sorrow. As a patriot he answered to the call of his country in 1898 when war with Spain was reclared, joining the 158th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being assigned to Company D. He served throughout the campaign and after the war was discharged with honors. Returning home he again took up his work in this county. On April 2, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Draper, to his union was born three sons, Everett, Robert and Ralph Lewis. For many years Mr. Lewis has been a member of the Fortville M.E. Church. His work in the Church was a service to mankind whose betterment he was always interested. In his last sickness he was confined some fifteen weeks at home. Although his suffering at times was great, he was always thoughtful of those around him and not once did he murmur a complaint. His thoughts were for his family and his prayers were answered and the Father who had guided him past fifty-seven mile stones of life called him home at the age of 57 years 7 months and 13 days. Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife, three sons, Everett, Robert and Ralph. Three sisters, Mrs. Geo. Greir, of Irvington, Mrs. O.E. Cotton, of Lawrenece and Mrs. Charles Sharrett, of Fortville, and a number of nephews and neices together with a host of friends who will have the cherished memory of this friend as an inspiration to guide them in the pathway of th future which they must follow. A precious one of us has gone, A voice we loved is stilled,  A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled, God in His Wisdom,has recalled, The bloom His Love has given. And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in Heaven.
Submitters Name: Betty (Lewis) Cannon

Name of Deceased: Margaret (Dalzell) Lewis
Newspaper: The Fortville Tribune
Obit: Margaret Dalzell was born near Dublin, in County Down, Ireland, May 27, 1834 and departed this life March 9, 1920. Age 85 years, 10 months, and 12 days. She married to John A. Lewis September 18, 1855 and to this union eight children were born, three of whom preceded her to the better land. The surviving children are Mrs. Sarah Greer, of Irvington, John E. and Ed Lewis, of Fortville, Mrs. Minnie Cotton, of Lawrence, and Mrs. Effie Sharrett, of Fortville. mMs. Lewis came with her people to America when she was 18 years of age. A sister died and was buried at sea. Her mother did when they were four days out but her body was brought ashore for burial. They came over in an old sailing vessel and were forty days on the water. She often talked of the trip and said that not withstanding its length it was really a pleasant voyage and if it had not been for the death of her mother and sister she would have enjoyed the experience. She was of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock and as a child was trained in that faith; however early in life she united with the Christian Church in the common fellowship of which she continued until death. She has been grievously afflicted for a number of years, but was an unusually patient sufferer. She leaves to mourn her decease two sons, three daughters, fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and many friends who will miss her greatly. Servant of God, well done, Thy glorious warfare passed, The battle fought, the victory won, And Tho art crowned at last. The course of thy long life hath reached at last. In fraigle bark o'er tempestous sea the common harbor, Where must rendered be. Account of all the actions of the past.
Submitters Name: Betty (Lewis) Cannon

Dr. H.J. Bogart, a Greenfield Pension Examing Surgeon
Greenfield, Ind. May 30 Dr. H.J. Bogart, aged sixty four died at his home in this city at 11a.m. to-day from hemorhage of the stomach. He was taken ill Saturday with internal hemorrhage. He leaves a widow and a step daughter, Mrs. George Winslow who resides near Charlottsville. Dr. Bogart was in the Union army as a surgeon during the war, in a New York regiment. He came to Indiana after the war and has been at Carthage the greater part of the time. A few years ago he moved to Greenfield. He was a Mason and examining surgeon of the Pension Board His funeral will be held at 10a.m.  Tuesday at the M.E. Church, with burial at Knightstown.
Transcribed by Erica Beatty
Obits 6/1/1898 Indiana State Journal

Name of Deceased: Samuel Edward Lewis
Obit: Samuel Edward Lewis, son of John A. and Margaret Lewis, was born in Franklin county Indiana, March 25, 1871, moving to Fortville with his parents while still a mere boy. From then on he made his home in this vicinity. Here he grew to manhood, making many acquaintances and surrounding himself with a host of friends. All who knew him admired his character, always honest and trusting with his fellow men, loving and kind to his family, always ready to give a helping hand to any in need. His tender sympathy was always a solace in time of sorrow.As a patriot he answered to the call of his country in 1898 when war with Spain was declared, joining the 158th Indiana volunteer Infantry, being assigned to company D. He served throughout the campaign and after the war was discharged with honors. Returning home he again took up his work in this county. On April 2, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Draper, to this union was born three sons, Everett, Robert and Ralph Lewis. For many years Mr. Lewis has been a member of the Fortville M.E. Church. His work in the Church was a service to mankind whose betterment he was always interested. In his last sickness he was confined some fifteen weeks at home. Although his suffering at times was great, he was always thoughtful of those around him and not once did he murmur a complaint. His thoughts were for his family and his prayers were answered and the Father who had guided him past fifty-seven mile stones of life called him home at the age of 57 years and 7 months and 13 days.
Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife, three sons, Everett, Robert and Ralph, Three sisters, Mrs. Geo. Greir, of Irvington, Mrs. O.E. cotton of Lawrence and Mrs. Charles Sharrett, of Fortville, and a number of nephews and nieces together with a host of friends who will have the cherished memory of this friend as an inspiration to guide them in the pathway of the future which they must follow. A precious one of us has gone, a voice we loved is stilled, a place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled, God in His wisdom, has recalled, The bloom His love has given, and though the body slumbers here, the soul is safe in Heaven.
Submitters Name: Betty Lewis Cannon
Newspaper: The Fortville Tribune Date: November 29, 1928

Name of Deceased: Margaret Dalzell
Obit: Margaret Dalzell was born near Dublin, in County Down, Ireland, may 27, 1834 and departed this life March 1920. age 85 years, 10 months and 12 days. She was married to John A. Lewis September 18, 1855 and to this union eight children were born, three of whom preceded her to the better  land. The surviving children are Mrs. Sarah Greer, of Irvington, John E and Ed Lewis, of Fortville, Mrs. Minnie Cotton, of Lawrence, and Mrs. Effie Sharrett, of Fortville. Mrs Lewis came with her people to America when she was 18 years of age. A sister died and was buried at sea. Her mother died when they were four days out but her body was brought ashore for burial. They came over in an old sailing vessel and were forty days on the water. She often talked of the trip and said that notwithstanding its length it was really a pleasant voyage and if it had not been for the death of her mother and sister she would have enjoyed the experience. She was of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock and as a child was trained in that faith; however early in life she united with the Christian Church in the common fellowship of which she continued until death. She has been grievously afflicted for a number of years, but was an unusually patient sufferer. She leaves to mourn her decease two sons, three daughters, fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and many friends who will miss her greatly. Servant of God, well done, Thy glorious warfare passed, The battle fought, the victory won, And Tho are crowned at last. The course of thy long life hath reached at last. In fragile bark o'er tempestuous sea the common harbor, Where must rendered be,  Account of all the action of the past.
Date: March 1920 Submitters Name: Betty Lewis Cannon

Name of Deceased: Laura E. Lewis
Obit: Laura E. Lewis  Rites Friday 
Funeral Services for former Fortville Resident at Methodist church There
Mrs. Laura E. Lewis age 72 years widow of Edward Lewis, died Wednesday from a heart attack, at the home of her son.,Ralph Lewis, 12 miles north of Noblesville. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Fortville. In charge of Rev. J. O. Mochstedler. Interment in Gravel Lawn Cemetery. Mrs. Lewis is survived by three sons, Ralph and Everett of near Noblesville, and Robert of near Fortville: eight grandchildren three brothers, Oscar, James and Frank Draper all of Indianapolis. The body will be taken to the Methodist Church in Fortville at noon Friday where it will lay in state until the hour of the funeral. Announcement from the McCarty Funeral Home states that friends may call at the home of the son Ralph any time.
Submitters Name: Betty Lewis Cannon
Newspaper: The Greenfield Daily Reporter
Date: September 19,1946

WILKINSON—Mrs. Lora A Thomas, 89 years old, is dead at her home near here Besides the husband, one daughter survives
The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, August 7, 1913

Rev. James W. Caldwell, Former Hoosier Presbyterian Preacher.
PHILADELPHIA. Sept- 11 - James W. Caldwell, a. well-known Presbyterian minister of this city, was instantly killed to-day in a runaway accident in Germantown, He occupied pulpits at Springfield, 0., and Shelbyville, Ind/ He took up his residence here some time ago. He was born in Elkins, O, and was sixty-five years old,
Date: 1899-09-13; Paper: Indiana State Journal




Return To The Main Index Page