wesleychapelcem

THE WESLEY CHAPEL CEMETERY

Washington Township, Harrison County, Indiana

Submitted by Kevin Conrad

The Wesley Chapel Cemetery is located about 16 miles southwest of Corydon and 3 miles southwest from the town of Valley City, on the Wesley Chapel Road. It is situated on a high ridge overlooking the Ripperdan Valley in Washington Township, Section 18, NW of the NW ¼, T5S and R3E, Harrison County, Indiana.

A fence is established around the perimeter of the cemetery, and normally accessed through a large metal gate on the south-end of the cemetery, although years ago the cemetery was likely accessed in front along the road. The cemetery is separated from Wesley Methodist Chapel by a small patch of sparse old hardwood trees to the south. The land was deeded to the chapel on November 17, 1853 by Isaac and Madeline Kaga. The first church located here was made of logs and has since been replaced by the current structure around 1888. More history is provided later in this record. The present church is located at the corner of Wesley Chapel Road and Sonner Lane.

During the first few frigid and blustery days of January 2003, Kevin and Angie Conrad recorded the names and other pertinent information from the cemetery’s gravestones. This data was collected in a systematic approach, beginning with the first identifiable grave in the first row, located in the south-east corner of the cemetery. The information for each row was always collected at the south end of the cemetery, working our way across to the north end of the cemetery. The 20 rows run north and south and parallel with Wesley Chapel Road.

The earliest known burial at this cemetery occurred in 1824 and is still in use today; with over five hundred individuals interred at this location.

Surnames at this cemetery

Arnold; Baxley; Bean; Beanblossom; Boze; Burnham; Burr; Byard; Clarence; Coffman; Conrad; Craig; Cremers; Cunningham; Curts; Daily; Daugherty; Davison; Davidson; Devore; Duggins; Fish; Fisher; Flanigan; Fleshman; Frank; Green; Hallock; Hardsaw; Hayes; Hisey; Hogan; Holland; Hughes; Lasley; Longacre; Love; Loveless; Kaga; Kagey; Kintner; Knapp; Mathe; Mathes; Mauck; McCraig; McMonigle; Miller; Montgomery; Mooney; Mowrer; Moyars; Newbill; Paris; Perkhiser; Redden; Rice; Richards; Ripperdan; Rissler; Rose; Ross; Sands; Sargent; Shewmaker; Sherrill; Shireman; Simler; Singleton; Sonner; Thornbury; Timberlake; Torrey; Trotter; Windell; Wolfe; Wiseman; Wright; Young; and Zenor.

Headstone Inscriptions

ROW 1

Grave (stone marker): initials “E.B.”

Millie, daughter of P.E. & C.A. SHIREMAN, born Jan. 20, 1881, died Mar. 10? 1881.

Stanton W. SHIREMAN, born Mar. 8, 1884, died Nov. 12, 1962.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Emma SHIREMAN, born 1860, died 1885.

Perry SHIREMAN, born 1859, died 1932.

Anna B. SHIREMAN, born 1859, died 1950.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Stone marker: initials “A.”

illegible, illegible of A. & M. FLESHMAN, born Dec. ?, 1867?, died Nov. illegible

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Francis FLESHMAN, born Nov. 26, 1864?, died Jan. 2, 1884.

Benjamin F. FLESHMAN, born Feb. 9, 1857, died Sept. 1, 1883.

Isaac FLESHMAN, born May 22, 1821, died Feb. 3, 1899.

Mary A. FLESHMAN, born Oct. 22, 1832, died Feb. 19, 1915.

David, son of A. F. & E. SONNER, died Oct. 13, 1897, aged 15y, 2m, 7d.

John William, son of A. F. & E. SONNER, died Jan. 19, 1866, aged 5m, 27d.

Annie F., daut of A. F. & E. SONNER, born June 25, 1869, died July 26, 1885, aged 16y, 1m, 1d.

Emma, daut of A. F. & E. SONNER, died Oct. 24, 1897, aged 19y, 5m, 17d.

Stone marker: no initials

Agrippa F. SONNER, born 1837, died 1910.

Emily SONNER, wife, born 1845, died 1920.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

George W. SONNER, born 1852, died 1932.

Anna R. SONNER, born 1853, died 1932.

Jesse L. SONNER, born 1885, died 1887.

Bertha W., daut of G.W. & A. R. SONNER, died July 24, 1884, aged 1y, 10m, 4d.

Infant, son of G.W. & A. R. SONNER, died Dec. 2, 1876, aged 7d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (stone marker): initials “I. F.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Jane M., wife of Hardin DAILY, born Feb. 19, 1815, died Sept. 24, 1872, aged (illegible).

William T., son of Hardin & Jane M. DAILY,

born Dec. 14?, 1851?, died May 4, 1871?, aged 19y, 4m, 18d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Sarah D., wife of James DAILY, born Mar. 2, 1860, died Mar. 8, 1882.

Johnnie, son of J. & S. D. DAILY, died Jan. 3, 1883.

Irvin DAILY, born May. 30, 1854, died Nov. 10, 1928.

Mary E. DAILY, born May 23, 1863, died Nov. 30, 1947.

Mary E., wife of I. DAILY, born May 6, 1859, died Sept. 25, 1886.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Stella M., daughter of I. & M. D. DAILY, born July 11, 1864, died Oct. 10, 1866.

James A., son of M. & E. MONTGOMERY, born Apr. 23, 1871, died Sept. 24, 1873.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Ella S., daughter of M. & E. MONTGOMERY, born 14 Oct. 1877, died Jan. 5, 1887.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Martin MONTGOMERY, born 20 May 1832, died Mar. 21, 1914.

Elizabeth MONTGOMERY, born Feb. 22, 1846, died Feb. 15, 1926.

R______ HISEY, Father, born ??, died ?? (headstone illegible. Footstone inscribed “R.H.”).

ROW 2

Clifford, son of Jesse & Zola HISEY, born Nov. 25, 1925, died Jan. 6, 1926.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Jesse A. HISEY, born Mar. 1, 1856, died May 9, 1921.

Mary R. HISEY, born Oct. 8, 1854, died Feb. 3, 1940.

Albert, son of J. A. & M. R. HISEY, born Aug. 27, 1883, died Sept. 28, 1886.

Stone marker: initials “R.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Stone marker: initials “Ross.”

Leonard S., son of M. V. & E. V. ROSS, died Aug. 23, 1866, aged 11m, 23d.

John W., son of M. V. & E. V. ROSS, died July 24, 1884, aged 7m, 6d.

Stella Corine ROSS, born 1867, died 1949.

Martin V. ROSS, born Dec. 6, 1836, died Feb. 7, 1900.

Elizabeth V. ROSS, born Mar. 15, 1840, died Sept 1, 1922.

Rosa Viola ROSS, born 1874, died 1947.

Stone marker: initials “R.”

Eliza J., wife of J. K.P. SONNER, died Feb. 24, 1880, aged 30y.

Nellie A., wife of William ZENOR, born July 3, 1871, died Apr. 15, 1895.

James K. SONNER, born 1844, died 1907, Company F, 13th Indiana Cavalry. (Civil War)

Annie V. SONNER, born Mar. 6, 1850, died May. 22, 1912.

William SONNER, born Sept. 16, 1798, died Jan. 26, 1894.

Mary SONNER, born Dec. 9, 1809, died July 29, 1894.

Dr. Joshua SONNER, consort of Agnes M. Sonner, died 17 Nov 1873, aged 38y, 3m, 28d.

Grave (stone marker): initials “M.S.”

William WINDELL, born Dec. 13 1822, died July 1, 1905.

Elizabeth, wife of Wm. WINDELL, born Aug 20, 1824, died June 17, 1891.

William E. WINDELL, died Feb 9, 1867, aged 14y, 9m, 4d.

Robert WINDELL, born 1848, died 1895.

Martha WINDELL, born 1850, died 1929.

Anthony WINDELL, born 1846, died 1899.

Wilford O. RISSLER, born 1867, died 1944.

James DAILY, born 1857, died 1939.

Lucy DAILY, born 1862, died 1942.

Neale R. DAILY, born Oct. 25, 1900, died Feb. 11, 1904.

Grave (marble marker, footstone like): no initials.

John W. MAUCK, born Sept. 3, 1870, died Jan. 31, 1936.

William W. LONGACRE, born Sept. 4, 1842, died Aug. 13, 1922.

Mary A. LONGACRE, born Apr. 6, 1848, died Aug. 12, 1925.

Samuel MAUCK, born Oct. 13, 1874, died Feb. 2, 1888.

Addie V. COFFMAN, daughter, born Dec. 15, 1898, died Nov. 26, 1923.

Laura F. WISEMAN, mother, born Oct. 2, 1877, died Oct. 31, 1907.

Wife and daughter of Lon Wiseman

Jacob WRIGHT, born 1862, died 1927.

Mollie, wife of Jacob WRIGHT, born 1867, died 1921.

ROW 3

Edith M. SANDS, Mother, born 1880, died 1945.

James W. COFFMAN, born 1852, died 1935.

Bettie R. COFFMAN, born 1848, died 1933.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Otto FRANK, born Oct. 20, 1857, died Nov. 24, 1880, aged 23y, 1m, 4d.

Emma, daughter of W. T. & H. FRANK, born Jan. 26, 1871, died Sept. 23, 1876.

Benjamin FRANK, born Mar. 22, 1873, died July 22, 1874.

Infant, son of W. T. & H. FRANK, born Dec. 19, 1864, died Dec. 26, 1864.

Sarah E. FRANK, died June 22, 1863, age 5m, 10d.

W. T. FRANK, born (not given), died (not given).

[Note: This is the actual grave of William Thomas Frank, born Jan. 5, 1830, died July 7, 1879.

William is this researcher’s (Kevin Conrad) great-great-great grandfather. I descend from his 3rd wife,

Harriett Hughes. William is buried adjacent to the grave of his 1st wife, Evaline Sonners Frank.

A large red granite obelisk is nearby which serves as a memorial to William, his first wife and some of

his children].

Evaline FRANK, born (not given), died (not given).

[Note: This marker rests on Evaline Sonner Frank’s actual grave site.]

Wm. T. FRANK, born Jan. 5, 1830, died July 7, 1879.

Evaline, wife of W.T. FRANK, born Dec. 9, 1830, died Feb. 21, 1863.

Children of W.T. Frank

Sarah E. Frank

Benjamin Frank

Emma Frank

Infant Frank

Otto Frank

[Note: This marker serves as a memorial to William T. Frank, his 1st wife Eveline and some of

his children. His first wife’s name appears as “Eveline” on the original grave marker and as “Evaline”

on this memorial.]

Nola Clest, daughter of W. J. & S. A. PURKHISER, died Feb 11, 1876, age 1y, 9m, 20d.

Infant - PURKHISER, born Mar. 7, 1878, died Apr. 4, 1878.

Nola PURKHISER, Father, born (not given), died (not given).

Kirby PURKHISER, Mother, born (not given), died (not given).

Infant PURKHISER, born (not given), died (not given).

[Note: The names shown above were transcribed as shown on the headstone; although, “Nola”

is likely the mother-- not the father, and “Kirby” the father—not the mother.]

Grave (only the stone base remains; headstone missing.)

Dell Purkhiser MOONEY, born 1880, died 1946.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

John D., son of D. A. & A. SIMLER, born Feb. 14, 1880, died Mar. 1, 1881.

[Note: Approximately five feet in front of the headstone of John D. Simler is a damaged

footstone inscribed “O.M.W.” Next to this damaged footstone is a base for a second

footstone, but the footstone is missing.]

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Stone marker: no initials.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Oliver M., son of D. W. & R. E. WINDELL, died Aug. 31, 1866, aged 3y, 3m, 26d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

illegible WINDELL, June 7, 1865.

illegible, illegible of D.W. & R.E. WINDELL, born (not given), died (not given).

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Susannah C., wife of George CONRAD, died May. 17, 1870, aged 51y, 2m.

Arminda A., daut of G. & S. CONRAD, born July 7, 1852, died Nov. 23, 1878.

Grave (only the stone base remains; headstone missing.)

[Note: The stone base is identical to the based used for Susannah C. Conrad. This may be the grave

of George Conrad. There is no record he remarried after the death of his wife. George was born about 1812

in Pennsylvania and died sometime between June 30, 1870 and June 28, 1880 in Washington Twp, Harrison

Co., IN.]

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Waldo, son of J.W. & E. A. HISEY, born May. 1, 1888, died June 17, 1888.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Unmarked Grave (sunken grave).

John W. SHIREMAN, born 1874, died 1951.

Allie E. SHIREMAN, born 1867, died 1950.

Unmarked Grave (sunken grave).

John WRIGHT, born Oct. 10, 1826, died Oct. 27, 1905.

Grave (field stone).

Laura J. WRIGHT, died Mar. 9, 1905, age 42 yrs.

Abraham WRIGHT, born 1867, died 1910.

ROW 4

Alex MILLER, born May 17, 1894, died June 16, 1972.

Mattie E. MILLER, born Dec. 8, 1899, died Jan. 15, 1964.

Married Apr. 10, 1918.

Gladys N. MILLER, born / died 1926.

Earlene COFFMAN, daut. of Alex & Mattie MILLER, born Apr. 8, 1923, died Jan. 2, 2002.

Curry RICHARDS, born 1878, died 1947.

Ella RICHARDS, born 1872, died 1941.

Silas W., son of Rev. M. M. & S. W. BURR, born Nov. 10, 1871, died Dec. 11, 1872.

Grave (only the stone base remains; headstone missing.)

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

David HISEY, born 1845, died 1872.

Emma HISEY, born 1842, died 1938.

Richard D. HISEY, born 1871, died 1892.

Emma O. HISEY, born 1868, died 1950.

Wash HISEY, born 1869, died 1961.

Celia A. KNAPP, born Mar. 3, 1854, died Jan. 25, 1879.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

David HARDSAW, died Dec. 28, 1872, aged 69y, 10m, 5d.

Catharine HARDSAW, born Nov. 1, 1810, died July 14, 1892.

Grave (stone marker): initials “C.R.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Sarah M., daut of A. & S. MATHES, born Sept. 1, 1833, died Mar. 20, 1861.

Thomas, son of A. & S. L. MATHES, born Nov. 14, 1861, died Aug. 12, 1862.

Roscoe B. SHIREMAN, born May 1, 1893, died Aug. 15, 1926.

Robert SHIREMAN, born Aug. 23, 1861, died Dec 11, 1915.

Mary E. SHIREMAN, wife, born June 30, 1863, died July 20, 1948.

Cora SHIREMAN, born Nov. 23, 1880, died Jan. 1?, 1881. (twins)

Dora SHIREMAN, born Nov. 23, 1880, died Jan. 20, 1881.

Children of R. & M.E. Shireman

Stroodie W., son of R. & M. E. SHIREMAN, born May 7, 1882, died Mar. 6, 1884.

George O., son of R. & M. E. SHIREMAN, born Feb. 20, 1884, died Nov. 16, 1885.

Grave (stone marker): initials “M. E. S.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Willard SONNER, born 1876, died 1934.

Bertha E. SONNER, born 1881, died 1947.

Eli SONNER, born 1833, died 1914.

Angeline SONNER, born 1841, died 1897.

Sarah E. SONNER, born 1865, died 1898.

Grave (stone marker): initials “D. S.”

Grave (stone marker): initials “E. S.”

ROW 5

Alfred L. HARDSAW, born May 20, 1840, died Feb. 25, 1927.

Caroline HARDSAW, wife, born May 23, 1838, died Nov. 16, 1898.

Alfred, son of A. & C. HARDSAW, born Mar. 28, 1876, died Sept. 22, 1887.

James A., son of A. & C. HARDSAW, born Jan? 9, 1887, died Apr. 27, 1887.

Grave (headstone damaged & illegible): initials on footstone “D. M. W.”

Grave (headstone damaged & illegible, also pieces missing)

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Rhoda M., wife of J.T. FLESHMAN, born Feb. 4, 1868, died Apr. 29, 1888.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

John S. SHERRILL, born Feb. 22, 1813, died May 25, 1884.

[Note: John S. Sherrill and his wife Clarissa, have a young child, Charles W. Sherrill,

buried at the John Purkhiser family cemetery in Washington Township. Charles died on

Nov 20, 1861 at age 4y, 24d.]

Clarissa SHERRILL, wife, born Sept. 20, 1826, died Aug 4, 1908.

William J., son of J. S. & C. SHERRILL, born Apr. 20, 1847, died June 22, 1875.

Ed. S. SHERRILL, born July 14, 1853, died May 8, 1915.

Mary J. SHERRILL, born 1865, died 1930.

Note: Behind the above section of Sherrill headstones (between rows 5 and 6), stands a very large pine tree. The pine tree is located almost directly behind the headstone of William J. Sherrill. Around the base of the pine tree is a collection of four loose footstones, one concrete base used to mount a footstone, and one upper half of a broken headstone. The following information was collected from these piled grave markers: Footstone initials “D.A.S.”; Footstone initials “C.W.”; Footstone initials “C.S.”; Footstone initials “N.C.P.”; and partial broken headstone “Anna M., wife of M. F. Purkhiser.”

Grave (footstone): initials “J.W.S.”

Grave (small headstone is illegible)

Grave (small marble marker): initials “B.W.”

Aquilla F. SONNER, born 1897, died 1898.

Daniel W. SONNER, born July 30, 1910, died June 1, 1937.

Corporal, 11th Indiana Infantry

Harvey H. SONNER, born 1912, died 1930.

Phebe, wife of Hamilton TROTTER, born Jan. 14, 1828, died July 29, 1880.

Clara B., daut of H. & P. TROTTER, born Mar. 11, 1856, died Nov. 10, 1884.

Frank H. ROSE?, died Sept. 7, (year illegible), aged 40y, 2m?, ?d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Minnie A. TROTTER, born Dec. 5, 1877, died May 3, 1910, aged 32y, 4m, 28d.

Grave (footstone): initials “C.H..”

Grave (headstone is damaged & illegible)

J. W. HISEY, born 1858, died 1932.

Annie E. HISEY, born 1851, died 1904.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Forest O. GREEN, born 1912, died 1965.

Mildred L. GREEN, born 1914, died 1963.

ROW 6

Tommy WOLFE, born July 11, 1893, died Dec. 9, 1896.

Ethel L. WOLFE, born Jan. 22, 1891, died Dec. 13, 1896.

Dudley M., son of G.W. & C. WOLFE, died July 24, 1867, aged 23y, 7m, 14d.

Geo. W. WOLFE, born Feb. 21, 1816, died Nov. 26, 1900.

Catharine WOLFE, wife, born Sept. 20, 1820, died July 15, 1893.

Anna M., wife of Millard F. PERKHISER, born Jan? 31, 1853?, died Nov. 2, 1879.

Florida, daut of M. F. & A. M. PERKHISER, born Dec. 29, 1874, died Oct. 23, 1875.

Jno. TROTTER, Sgt. Company B, 3rd Indiana Cavalry. (Civil War).

Matilda, wife of John TROTTER, died Aug. 28, 1859, aged 29y, 8m.

__ illa?, daut. of J. & M. TROTTER, aged 5m.

[Note: headstone is very worn. If dates were inscribed, they are no longer visible].

Grave (headstone is damaged & illegible)

Grave (stone marker. A field stone also rests against this marker)

John T. CUNNINGHAM, died Mar. 18, 1881, aged 20y, 2m, 21d.

Grave (field stone).

Mary C., daut. of J.W. & P. J. CRAIG, born Mar. 19, 1882, died Jan. 16, 1892.

Wm. TROTTER, Sgt. Company D, 13th Indiana Cavalry (Civil War).

John ARNOLD, born Dec. 9, 1815, died Jan. 12, 1899.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Lillie HARDSAW, born Aug. 5, 1875, died Sept. 17, 1893.

Clerence HARDSAW, born Oct. 21, 1881, died May 27, 1895.

ROW 7

Laura FLESHMAN, born Dec. 27, 18__?, died Sept. ?, 183?.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Infant, daut. of E. & A. SONNER, born / died Nov 1889.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (field stone).

Grave (stone marker): initials “S.C.B.”

Grave (stone marker): initials “N.A.Z.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Sarah C., daut. of A. M. & Margaret BEAN, born Feb. 8, 1833, died July 8, 1855.

Infant, son of J. P. & S. SONNER, died June 2, 1878?, aged 8d.

Bertram, son of J. P. & S. SONNER, died Sept. 18, 1875, aged 7y, 2m, 25d.

William M., son of J. P. & S. SONNER, died Nov. 1, 1883, aged 5y, 6m, 24d.

John P. SONNER, born Jan. 17, 1829, died May 5, 1909.

Sarah SONNER, born Sept. 15, 1841, died Nov. 18, 1904.

James M. SHERRILL, born 1860, died 1925.

Mary A. SHERRILL, born 1866, died 1952.

Infant, son of J. M. & M. A. SHERRILL, born Feb. 2, 1905, died Apr. 27, 1905.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Garrison M. SHEWMAKER, born 1827, died 1908.

Nancy E. SHEWMAKER, born 1827, died 1909.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Unmarked Grave (sunken grave)

Anna Jean LASLEY, 29 June 1931.

Annis Jane LASLEY

Aunt Jane SHEWMAKER

[Note: The above names, as shown, are inscribed on a bronze plaque which is mounted to

a granite stone. The date given did not indicated if this was a birth date or death date.]

ROW 8

Grave (broken headstone; upper portion missing).

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Francis H. RIPPERDAN, born Mar. 30, 1925, died Apr. 10, 1976.

Denise Ann HAYES, Oct. 10, 1962.

Harry C. RIPPERDAN, born 1878, died 1925.

Ella RIPPERDAN, born 1880, died 1955.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Ruth E. RIPPERDAN, born Mar. 1, 1918, died Apr. 7, 1920.

Roy C. RIPPERDAN, born Apr. 5, 1911, died Apr. 9, 1911.

Mary E. RIPPERDAN, born Apr. 26, 1908, died Oct. 6, 1909.

Children of H. C. & E. Ripperdan

Walter FISH, born 1935, died 1998.

[Note: Walter was born on Nov. 30, 1935 and died on July 12, 1998.

He served as a Private 1st Class in the U.S. Army].

Ambrose FRANK, died Aug. 11, 1864, aged 23y, 4m, 5d.

Sarg. Company C, 66th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. (Civil War)

Killed in battle near Atlanta, GA.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Edward, son of J. L. & M. FRANK, died Sept. 13, 18__?, aged 2y, ?m, ?d.

Lara A., daut. of J. L. & M. FRANK, died July 13?, 1863?, aged 9m, 24d.

Sarah, daut. of J. L. & M. FRANK, died (not given), aged 5d.

Infant, son of J. L. & M. FRANK, born / died Apr. 28, 1875.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Ambrose FRANK, born Feb. 6, 1861, died Oct. 15, 1885, aged 24y, 8m, 9d.

John L. FRANK, born Aug. 14, 1827, died Feb. 26, 1905.

Margaret FRANK, born Feb. 11, 1836, died Feb. 16, 1920.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Orra L. BURNHAM, Uncle, born 1842, died 1931.

Leonora L. TORREY, Mother, born 1844, died 1931.

Charles K. TORREY, Son, born 1911, died 1943.

Killed in Action in Italy. (WW-II)

Allen W. TORREY, Father, born 1884, died 1973.

Flora M. TORREY, Mother, born 1881, died 1950.

Note: At the end of Row 8, near the fence-line and the north gate to the cemetery, there is at least three marble footstones that have been pitched into the brush /briar patch. The following information was collected from the three inscribed footstones: “Mary”; “H.L.T.”; and “M.F.”

ROW 9

Raleigh B. WRIGHT, born Sept. 10, 1893, died Sept. 18, 1974.

Irene RIPPERDAN, born July 5, 1891, died June 25, 1970.

Charles RIPPERDAN, born Apr. 18, 1884, died June 3, 1944.

Ralph A. REDDEN, born Oct. 12, 1915, died July 14, 1916.

Edith F., wife of C. N. HALLOCK, born Aug. 4, 1878, died Dec. 31, 1912.

Mary J. HALLOCK, born Dec. 26, 1912, died Dec. 28, 1912. (Twins)

Alfred R. HALLOCK, born Dec. 26, 1912, died Dec. 27, 1912.

Children of C . N. & E. F. Hallock

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Alonzo S. WRIGHT, born 1849, died 1902.

Mary A. WRIGHT, born 1852, died 1937.

Grave (infant headstone; very worn and illegible).

Verna D. SIMLAR, born 1891, died 1951.

Lovie L. SIMLER, born Aug. 15, 1895, died Apr. 12, 1914.

David A. SIMLER, born Nov. 3, 1850, died Apr. 26, 1926.

Sarah SIMLER, born Jan. 28, 1856, died May 27, 1918.

Rev. John SIMLER, died June 12, 1889, aged 76y, 6m, 13d.

Isabel, wife of John SIMLER, died May 4, 1857, aged 37y, 11m, 16d.

John SIMLER, born ??, died ?? (headstone extremely worn & illegible)

(illegible), (illegible) of John SIMLER, born ??, died ?? (headstone extremely worn & illegible)

Stella M., daut. of J. S. & M. J. SIMLER, died dec. 5, 1885, aged 23y, 6m, 22d.

James S. SIMLER, born Apr. 3, 1843, died July 18, 1905.

Company K, 34th Kentucky Infantry (Civil War)

Martha J. SIMLER, wife, born Oct. 1, 1851, died Dec. 18, 1907.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (headstone broken, worn and illegible).

G. H. HESS, Company F, 23rd Indiana Infantry (Civil War)

James G. SHIREMAN, born Aug. 29, 1869, died Apr. 10, 1944.

Addie M. SHIREMAN, born Jan. 8, 1869, died June 17, 1941.

William CLARENCE, born 1891, died 1894.

James E. SHIREMAN, born May 19, 1893, died June 30, 1943.

Private, Indiana, 18th Railway Engineers, WW-II

John L. SIMLER, born 1877, died 1926.

Zora B. SIMLER, born 1878, died 1958.

ROW 10

Janess, son of J.W. & E. M. MOYARS, born Apr. 27, 1900, died Aug. 20, 1900.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

James J. COTNER, born Oct. 30, 1922, died June 13, 1997.

TEC 5, U.S. Army, WW-II.

Anna L. COTNER, born Dec. 30, 1924, died Aug. 16, 2000.

Married 20 Sept. 1947.

John FLESHMAN, born Apr. 28, 1787, died Nov. 26, 1848, aged 61y, 3m.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Hallie F., son of R. M. & G. W. SHIREMAN, born Jan. 17, 1885, died June 7, 1886.

Grave (stone marker): initials “I. S.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Gordie L. MILLER, born Dec. 12, 1888, died Mar. 31, 1931.

Kate L. MILLER, born Mar. 26, 1890, died Nov. 11, 1966.

Infant daut of G. L. & K. L. MILLER, born Aug. 9, 1907, died Aug. 11, 1907.

Marker (small concrete marker); no initials or markings.

Hugh A. TIMBERLAKE, born Oct. 14, 1910, died Nov. 19, 1994.

Naydene A. TIMBERLAKE, born Sept. 17, 1914, died July 28, 1991.

Marker (small concrete marker); inscribed “Love.”

ROW 11

Lester Lee SINGLETON, born Mar. 20, 1926, died June 18, 1998.

U.S. Army, WW-II.

Doris E. SINGLETON, born Mar. 18, 1928, died (not given).

Married Sept. 20, 1947.

Henry DAVIDSON, born Dec. 20, 1932, died Dec. 2, 1999.

Marilyn J. DAVIDSON, born May 14, 1938, died Dec. 12, 1988.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Annie May, daut of J. H. & M. TROTTER, died Sept. 13, 1864, aged 9m, 9d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Margaret J. Wolfe TROTTER, born June 2, 1842, died Sept. 17, 1903.

Married to James H. Trotter, 15 Jan. 1863, in Harrison Co., IN.

John H. TROTTER, born Jan. 16, 1837, died June 10, 1883.

Henry C., son of J. & M. TROTTER, born Oct. 19, 1814, died Feb. 24, 1845.

John TROTTER, died Apr. 7, 1862, aged 64 yrs.

Mary TROTTER, born Feb. 23, 1814, died Mar. 26, 1889.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Infant, son of W. H. & M. M. TROTTER, born / died Aug. 3, 1883.

Ralph W., son of L. C. & H. L. TROTTER, died June 11, 1888, aged 11y, 4m, 28d.

James A., son of L. C. & H. L. TROTTER, born May 13, 1883, died July 31, 1895, aged 12y, 2m, 18d.

Nellie S., daut of L. C. & H. L. TROTTER, born Mar. 17, 1879, died May 17, 1896.

Unmarked Grave (grave sunken).

L. C. TROTTER, born Sept. 29 1840, died Aug. 11, 1898.

Helen L. TROTTER, born Dec. 14, 1850, died Jan. 17, 1925.

[Note: Leslie C. Trotter married Helen L. McBride on March 31, 1874 in Harrison Co., IN.]

Unmarked Grave (grave sunken).

Frank C., son of L. C. & H. L. TROTTER, born May 12, 1893, died Mar. 11, 1899.

Edna TROTTER, born July 21, 1900, died Mar. 5, 1905.

Roscoe C. TROTTER, born Jan. 1, 1888, died Aug. 27, 1909, aged 21y, 7m, 26d.

Jean Trotter YOUNG, born 1881, died 1929.

ROW 12

Clayton H. COTNER, born Oct. 11, 1930, died (not given).

Concetta K. COTNER, born Jan. 27, 1932, died Mar. 26, 1991.

Flora E. COTNER, born 1924, died 1925.

Maurice D. COTNER, born 1935, died 1938.

Infant daughter and son.

William “Dee” COTNER, born 1899, died 1966.

Mary A. COTNER, born 1897, died 1986.

Gladys CREMERS, born Apr. 30, 1908, died July 11, 1993.

Florence A., wife of John H. THORNBURY, died Jan. 18, 1868, aged 17y, 8m, 18d.

Wayne H. BEANBLOSSOM, born Dec. 11, 1922, died (not given).

Beulah F. BEANBLOSSOM, born Mar. 17, 1921, died (not given).

Married 12 Oct 1941.

[Note: At the time the information was transcribed from this headstone, no date of death was inscribed

for either Wayne or Beulah Beanblossom, but the soil had exhibited signs of a recent burial. According

to the Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Wayne died on Oct. 6, 2002 in New Albany, Indiana, and his

wife, Beulah, died on Mar. 16, 2003, also in New Albany. They are both interred at this location.]

(illegible), son of Wm. & Mary SONNER, died Mar. 16, 1848?, aged 6m, 21d.

Benjamin, son of Wm. & Mary SONNER, died Apr. 18, 1877, aged 11m, 7d.

Infant, son of Wm. & Mary SONNER, died July 10, 1818, aged ?d.

John D. D., son of D. D. & M. J. FISHER, died Oct. 16, 1866, aged 1y, 7m, 11d.

Carrie E., daut. of D. D. & M. J. FISHER, died Aug. 24, 1880, aged 11m, 14d.

William H. FISHER, born June 14, 1861, died Sept. 7, 1882.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (field stone).

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (field stone).

[Note: A marble footstone inscribed with the initials “J.H.” has been laid on this grave.]

ROW 13

Dennis DAVIDSON, Son, born 1935, died ???.

Alma A. DAVIDSON, Mother, born 1907, died 1982.

Rienzi, son of T. & A. M. CUNNINGHAM, died Aug. 17, 1871, died 6m, 7d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Emma, daut. of (illegible) & C. M. HOLLAND, died Mar. 24, (illegible), aged 16y, 10d.

Catherine HOLLAND, died Jan. 6, 1860, aged 3m.

Zeno F. HOLLAND, died June 1, 1859, aged 38y, 6m.

Martha, wife of Zeno F. HOLLAND, died Jan. 3, 1860, aged 34y, 5m, 19d.

James, son of Zeno F. HOLLAND, died (illegible), aged (illegible)

William J., son of Z. F. & Martha HOLLAND, born Jan. 20, 1849, died (illegible), 1849.

Eli, son of J. R. & R. H. WRIGHT, died Feb. 21, 1840, aged 4y, 8m, 4d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Harriet Ada, daut. of J. R. & R. H. WRIGHT, died May?, 20?, (illegible), aged 16y?, 6m, 1d.

[Note: Harriet is the daughter of Joel Wright & Rosannah McMahon of Kentucky. Harriet A. Wright is recorded

as age 12 and living with her family in the Harrison County 1850 census. The family was recorded in the census

on 30 Oct. 1850. Some of the above Hollands’ were residing with Joel Wrights family in Washington Twp during

the census of 1860.]

William M. WRIGHT, died Sept. 21, 1863, aged 20y, 1m, 29d.

Joel WRIGHT, died Dec. 16, 1865, aged 67y, 23d.

Rosannah H., wife of Joel WRIGHT, born Feb. 23, 1808, died July 24, 1888.

Anna M. WRIGHT, born May 24, 1846, died Feb. 1, 1866.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (footstone): initials “D.C.”

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Barbara E. DEVORE, born Mar. 30, 1935, died May 4, 1989.

Rhonda S. DEVORE, Sept. 21, 1958.

ROW 14

Eliza, daut. of S. & J. CUNNINGHAM, died Aug. 28, 1883?, aged 24y, 11d.

Rienzi, son of S. & J. CUNNINGHAM, born Feb. 14, 1838, died Mar. 10, 1853.

Jennie, wife of S. CUNNINGHAM, born Jan. 15, 1821, died Oct. 21, 1881.

Samuel, Consort of Jane CUNNINGHAM, born Jan. 1, 1815, died Feb. 10, 1853, aged 38y, 10d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Ellen MILLER, Relic of Thos. CUNNINGHAM, died Oct. 27, 1850, aged 64y, 11m.

Infant, son of J. & S. CUNNINGHAM, died Mar. 3, 1852, age 3m.

Charles H., son of J. & J. CUNNINGHAM, died Sept. 12, 1855?, aged 1?y, 1?d.

Sarah, wife of John CUNNINGHAM, born July 23, 1828, died July 13, 1892.

John CUNNINGHAM, born Oct. 10, 1810, died May 19, 1888, aged 77y, 7m, 9d.

Elizabeth, wife of John CUNNINGHAM, also her infant daughter,

died Apr. 28, 1843, aged 18y, 2m, 12d.

Elizabeth, daut. of R. & R. CUNNINGHAM, died Aug. 11, 1841, aged 14 yrs.

George, son of R. & R. CUNNINGHAM, born May 12, 1833, died Sept. 19, 1848.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (stone marker and footstone): footstone inscribed “I. C. H.”

[Note: This is believed to be the actual grave site of Isaac C. Hogan.]

Isaac C. HOGAN, born Oct. 21, 1813, died Jan. 13, 1881.

Julian HOGAN, wife, born May 1, 1819, died Jan. 3, 1885.

Eliza HOGAN, daughter, born May 25, 1832, died July 18, 1873.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Wilson HOGAN, died Nov. 21, 1875, aged 29y, 9m, 25d.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (headstone missing, only stone base remains).

Sarah A., wife of Samuel C. PARIS, born May 30, 1852, died Feb. 28, 1880.

Lonnie, son of (illegible) PARIS, born (illegible), died (illegible).

S. Melvin SONNER, Doc, born July 24, 1918, died Jan. 20, 1980.

Martha M. SONNER, born Aug. 30, 1925, died (not given)

[Note: A government plaque is affixed at this grave site which reads:

“Straude M. Sonner. Sgt. U.S. Army, WW-II, 1918-1980.”]

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Bonnie Paulette, daut. of Gerald F. & Bonnie E. SHIREMAN,

born May 31, 1949, died June 1, 1949.

Alva B. SHIREMAN, born 1905, died 1967.

Vesta V. SHIREMAN, born 1907, died 1992.

ROW 15

Sylvester P. CUNNINGHAM, born Aug. 8, 1852, died Sept. 8, 1925.

Rhodillia J. CUNNINGHAM, born Apr. 29, 1856, died Mar. 26, 1928.

Infant, son of S. P. & R. J. CUNNINGHAM, born Aug. 5, 1889, died Aug. 26, 1889.

Frankie, son of D. & E. BAXLEY, died Oct. 10, 1881, aged 1m, 8d.

David BAXLEY, died Sept. 25, 1881, aged 27y, 6m, 28d.

Henry F. McMONIGLE, born July 30, 1878, died Mar. 26, 1962.

Ollie R. McMONIGLE, born Mar. 28, 1881, died June 1, 1969.

Grave (fieldstone).

Arnabas BAXLEY, died (illegible) 17, 1844?

[Note: This grave marker is made from poured concrete and has pieces broken off and missing)

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Grave (fieldstone).

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Iva Dell, daut. of G. & P. E. MOWRER, born Aug. 31, 1870, died Mar. 8, 1875.

George W. MOWRER, born 1834, died 1920.

Permelia E. MOWRER, born 1840, died 1919.

Ora L. McMONIGLE, born June 30, 1899, died July 8, 1939.

Darby McMONIGLE, born Oct. 18, 1901, died Dec. 31, 1966.

Captain, Indiana, U.S. Army, WW-I & WW-II.

Note: Row 15 and 16 is interrupted by a large pine tree known as the “Wesley Pine.” Under this pine is a number of piled footstones and one headstone. The following information was recorded from this pile of grave stones: Footstone initials “U.S.S.”; Footstone initials “?.C.”; Footstone initials “E.C.”; Footstone with no initials; Footstone initials “L.C.”; Footstone initials “U.C.”; Broken headstone- “Martha, daughter of Martin & C. Byard, died (illegible) 21?, 1850.”

Ann Martin, daut. of J.W. & A. DAUGHERTY,

born Feb. 3, 1849, died Aug. 28, 1850, aged 1y, 6m, 25d.

Harriet Siona, daut. of J.W. & A. DAUGHERTY,

born Nov. 3, 1853, died Aug. 30, 1855, aged 1y, 9m, 22d.

Paul McMONIGLE, born 1938, died 1987

GY, Sgt., U.S. Marine Corps, Korea and Vietnam.

Raymond McMONIGLE, born 1931, died 1986

AB, U.S. Air Force, Korea and Vietnam.

George McMONIGLE, born Dec. 18, 1949, died Dec. 16, 2001.

SP4, U.S. Army, Vietnam.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Herman D. McMONIGLE, born Jan. 27, 1907, died Sept. 26, 1972.

Sgt., Michigan, H & S Co. 335th Engrs, WW-II

Eva B. McMONIGLE, born Oct. 15, 1904, died Oct. 4, 2001.

Carl McMONIGLE, born 1940, died 1981

A1C, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam.

Kristen Lynn McCRAIG, born Feb. 26, 1968, died Oct.30, 1998.

Nee: McMonigle

ROW 16

Clena CURTS, born 1920, died 1920.

Annis D. CURTS, born 1917, died 1917.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

John F. CUNNINGHAM, born May 26, 1858, died July 5, 1933.

Lucinda C. CUNNINGHAM, born Feb. 22, 1862, died July 3, 1904.

Irma Fern RICE, born Dec. 21, 1911, died Dec. 8, 1991.

Nee: McMonigle

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

George McMONIGLE, born 1904, died 1992.

Mary M. McMONIGLE, born 1911, died 2000.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Mary KINTNER, died Sept. 17, 1861, aged (illegible).

Nee: McMonigle

[Note: There is a marble footstone at the end of this grave inscribed “L.C.C.”]

Sarah A., wife of E. HUGHES, born Nov. 21, 1849, died Apr. 10, 1878.

Infant, (illegible), born Mar. 8, 1882, died Sept. 13, 1882.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Maude B. SARGENT, born Mar. 23, 1891, died June 13, 1971.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Ann M. McMONIGLE, born Feb. 16, 1934, died Aug. 10, 1997.

ROW 17

Jesse Roy SHIREMAN, born Aug. 2, 1880, died July 2, 1947.

Marsella E. SHIREMAN, born Dec. 30, 1890, died Nov. 7, 1919.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Blanche E. FLANIGAN, born June 15, 1896, died June 26, 1955.

Jesse FLANIGAN, born Jan. 11, 1890, died Dec. 12, 1961.

Loran C. FLANIGAN, born Nov. 3, 1917, died Aug 5, 1964.

ROW 18

George H. BOZE Sr., born May 5, 1924, died (not given).

Elenora F. BOZE, born Mar. 10, 1926, died (not given).

Sons: Cecil O., George H. Jr., and grandchildren: Casy O., Joseph H., Shannon M.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Rosannah, wife of J. J. SIMLER, born Sept. 11, 1851, died Mar. 11, 1875, aged 23y, 6m.

Otto C. MONTGOMERY, born Aug. 3, 1875, died Jan. 13, 1961.

Maud H. MONTGOMERY, born Nov. 8, 1878, died Dec. 10, 1947.

Celetus MONTGOMERY, died 1915.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Kerbie M., daut. of J. S. & A. B. COFFMAN, born Jan. 4, 1894, died Feb. 1, 1912.

Infant, child of Mr. & Mrs. C.O. MONTGOMERY, (dates not given).

Clove MONTGOMERY, died 1902.

C. Fern HISEY, died 1906.

J. Paul HISEY, born 1927, died 1928.

Children of Roscoe & Lillian Hisey

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Roscoe H. HISEY, born 1885, died 1965.

Lillian L. HISEY, born 1888, died 1966.

Joseph W. HISEY, born Apr. 13, 1914, died Feb. 5, 1970.

Elenora B. DUGGINS, Mother, born Sept. 26, 1920, died Dec. 23, 1989.

Vernonia B. HISEY, Mother, born May 12, 1924, died Mar. 26, 1996.

William K. HISEY, born Mar. 25, 1929, died Apr. 21, 1999.

ROW 19

S. Willard SIMLER, born 1852, died 1932.

Martha F., daut. of S. W. & J. SIMLER, born Oct. 9, 1887, died Apr. 17,1888.

Vacant plot or unmarked grave??

Tina B., daut. of A. M. & S. COFFMAN, born 1901, died 1902.

J. S. COFFMAN, born 1855, died 1936.

Annie B. COFFMAN, born 1859, died 1940.

Adie V., son of J. S. & Annie B. COFFMAN, born Aug. 19, 1870, died July 21, 1892.

Infant, daut. of J. S. & A. B. COFFMAN, born / died Mar. 7, 1881.

Grave (fieldstone).

Blanche W. S. LOVELESS, born Nov. 3, 1873, died May 7, 1888.

Jacob A. LOVELESS, died Feb. 7, 1892, aged 20y, 5d.

ROW 20

Francis, son of J? & M.? KAGEY, died July 2, 1864, aged 2?y, 11?m, 21?d.

Alvin I., son of A. N. & M. A. KAGEY, died Aug. 31,1861, aged 2 wks, 3d.

James H. KAGEY, born June 9, 1863, died Sept. 10, 1864.

John, son of A. N. & M. A. KAGEY, born Oct. 4, 1873, died Oct. 13, 1873.

James, son of (illegible) & (illegible) KAGEY, born Aug. 22?, 1875, died May 11, 1876.

Urbin, son of Charles & E. T. COFFMAN, born /died Jan. 12, 1908.

William D. NEWBILL, born Oct. 21, 1809, died Nov. 7, 1847.

David COFFMAN, died Dec. 23, 1890, aged 65y, 4m, 28d.

Eliza, wife of David COFFMAN, born July 22, 1826, died June 16, 1898, aged 71y, 10m, 21d.

Infant, son of D. & E. COFFMAN, born / died Sept. 4, 1867.

Infant, son of D. & E. COFFMAN, born / died July 24, 1871?.

Infant, daut. of D. & E. COFFMAN, born Nov. (illegible), 1879, died Dec. 12, 1879?.

Golda Ray, infant, daut. of Mr. & Mrs. W. P. COFFMAN, died Nov. 26, 1907.

— end —

Early History of the Wesley Chapel Church

The following information was composed by Donnie Simler on October 5, 1962, and is on file at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy, 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon, Indiana, 47112, Phone: (812) 738-4110.

The earliest record I could find of the Methodist Church in our community known as Wesley Chapel began in what known as the Old Republicans Meeting House in 1839 under the preaching of Rev. William Daniels, a circuit rider of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at this time on the Corydon Circuit. The building was a log structure with a large chimney and fireplace at one end for light and heat. The building was located a few yards northeast of the present church building which is on a hill overlooking the valley. There was a revival in the Old Republican Meeting House beginning in December 1847 and continuing through into January 1848, 6 weeks in all. There were several familys converted and plans for a new church building were made. The first Elder (now called superintendent) was _ _ _ _Kopp. The ground was purchased and deed wrote up by Napoleon Bell, justice of the peace, on June 17, 1853 and recorded on November 2, 1853 in book Z page 110. The land was deeded by Isaac Kagey and wife Magaline to trustees namely Joel Wright, Martin Beird, Jesse Kepe, John Simler Sr. and Isaac Kagey for the total sum of $5.00 for a part of northwest quarter of section 18 in township 5 range 3 East beginning at the southwest corner of the Old Republican Meeting House lot and laid out for 1/2 A. of land. First corner stone was laid on April 7, 1854 and church built that year out of log. Then in 1868 the first frame church was built.

This first frame building had a very high ceiling and large square windows with small panes. The first recorded dedication was September 7, 1873 presiding Elder was Rev. William Hester scripture text used was Nehemiah Chapter 4 Verse 6 ( the people had a mind to work ). The singing in the first church was led by John P. Sonner using a tuning fork. The first organ was placed in the church in 1884. Laura Simler, daughter of Rev. John Simler Jr. ( who was minister for some time, see note # 1 ) was the first organist. The organ was purchased from Brandenburg, Kentucky brought across the river to Marvin Landing and brought from there to the church in a road wagon by David Coffman. The first carpet was bought for the church in 1886 also at Brandenburg. The money for this carpet was made up by Mary Sonner, daughter of John P. Sonner, and Ella Coffman, daughter of David Coffman, riding horseback over the community getting donations of $17.50 the cost. The original bell is still in the church having been repaired twice. It was told the original clapper broke while tolling for the funeral of Martin Ross, blacksmith at Valley City, who was supposed to have made the first clapper.

The church was completely remolded starting on Thursday August 13, 1903. 10 new larger narrow windows were bought at Keller & Co. for $30.00. New carpet was bought, the ceilings were lowered and new plates were installed which were hewed out of logs with a broad ax and whip saw, these were as long as the building without splice. The logs were hauled from Coon Hollow by Solomn Frank and William Shireman with 4 horses and a wagon (see note # 2 at end). On September 7 or 8 while rebuilding the church rafters they fell with Robt. Shireman and as a result he lost some teeth when he hit the floor.

On September 9 the sheating was put on and 21,000 cypress shingles were used at a cost of $72.05. 300 bricks were used in the flue which was put up by Wm. Fravel for $. 75. The belfry at this time was high and 40 feet of 1/2 rope was purchased at a cost of $.30. The minister at this time was Rev. W. R. Thom (called Brother Tom) who resided at the manse at Mauckport. On December 6, 1903 there was a rededication officiating ministers were Rev. Dr. John Poncher and Rev. L. S. Knotts. New seats were placed in the church in January 1904 (should have arrived for the rededication but were late). The price for the was $215.00 and they came from a furniture factory in New York City to Hurst Hardware in Corydon by train and were hauled from there to the church by Solomn Frank and Charles W. Fisher. Each made 1 trip for $2.00 apiece. They were set up at the church by George Mowrer and C. E. Ripperdan. In 1924 the belfry being very high was remodeled and lowered. Trustees at this time were Ella Richards, Mary S. Sherrill, John L. Simler, John Shireman and Jesse Dooley. The church was put [out] of the conference in 1936 because of insufficient funds to pay a minister. Sunday School continued with small attendance. On December 6, 1939 Rev. C. P. McKinney (superintendent of the conference) sent us a woman minister the Rev. Lillie Ogden. The congregation was small but she began to work with the people and preached Sundays morning and night. She stayed in the community part of the time and received a salary of $75.00 for each of the 2 years she was here.

At this time we were put back in the conference because of improved financial conditions. Rev. C. P. McKinney donated the first $5.00 on installing electricity in the church. The people donated the fixtures, wiring and labor.

Note # 1 ... The Rev. John Simler Jr. was a tall heavy set man and was never without a shawl around his stooped shoulders. The late Elva Sonner Windell having heard him preached said he was a very good speaker. He was also the first native of the country to go to the legislature.

Note # 2 ... The coupling pole had to be removed from the wagon with the wheels being chained to each end of the logs. The logs were so long that when they come over the hill east of the cemetery the center of the logs dragged the top of the hill.

This information came from the elderly people who remembered most of the mentioned events and family records handed down.

October 5, 1962

[signature of Donnie Simler]

Donnie Simler, R 4, Corydon, Indiana.

Sixth Generation of the John Simler Sr. Mentioned at the beginning of this article.

Amount of work donated on church in 1903

A. J. Fleshman... Sawing lumber and lathes $25.00

H. S. Sonner... Work on church and run off lime 6.50

Jacob Wright... Hauling logs, shingles and cutting timber 6.00

Wash Hisey... Six days work on church 6.00

William W. Longacre... 1 1/2 days of work 1.50

John W. Shireman... Labor on church 6.00

Eli Shireman... Labor on church 2.00

S. N. Frank... Labor on church 6.00

J. W. Coffman... Hauling lime and use of engine 6.00

Leonidas Kintner... Carpenter work on church 2.40

John Mauck... “ “ “ “ 6.15

J. M. Enlow... Mason work 1.00

James Weaver... “ “ .50

William Shireman... Labor on church 4.00

Jesse E. Dooley... 1 day carrying mortar 1.00

James Shiremman... 3 days labor 3.00

C. W. Zenor... 1 day hauling logs 4.00

Tom Wright... 1 day labor 1.00

Belle Coffman... Board bill of plasters 1.73

J. K. P. Sonner... “ “ “ “ 1.10

George Mowrer... Donated 25.00

J. L. Simler... “ 20.00

Jesse H. Hall... Donated 2 sills 2.00

Robert Shireman... Donated 20.00

J. K. P. Sonner... “ 10.00

George Rook... “ 8.00

David Simler... Hauling logs 5.00

Abraham Fleshman... 3,000 ft. sugar lumber 5.00

James Trotter... 400 ft. popular lumber 5.00
Ward Moyars... 1,000 ft. sugar lumber 2.00

Roy Shireman... Labor on church 2.00

Winfield Sherrill... Hauling .50

Mary Fleshman... Donated lathe timber 5.00

Willard Sonner... 2 days labor on church 2.00

George Sonner... 1 load of sand .50

Samuel Coffman... Boarding of plasters and 69 meals 8.62 ½

The following is a list of people who gave money to the rebuilding of the church starting on May 13. 1903.

James S. Simler Mattie E. Baxter L. S. Fleshman

Ed. F. Windell David S. Stoker John Kaga

W. A. Smith Charles Redden Emily Sonner

George K. Shireman David Shaffer Ella Sonner

Harvey E. Kendle J. L. Sonner Whitcomb Weaver

Valentine Montgomery D. W. Hays Alfred Hardsaw

Charles Yeager Maggie Windell Martin L. Sonner

J. K. P. Sonner Hellen L. Trotter J. L. Frank

Reuben Binkley J. L. Watson Ed. B. Swan

George W. Applegate J. L. Windell Amos Sonner

B. F. Hurst Anna F. Frank Samuel Frank

George W. Lone John Pipes Lucy A. Frank

Aaron Sherrill Robert Redden Barbara Frank

W. H. Hays R. A. Montgomery H. A. Trotter

T. T. Cain H. W. Robins W. A. Watson

S. T. Wolf Jas. W. Mckinster C. H. Bulleit & Son

J. C. Wolf Dr. Wm. Daniels J. T. Funk

C. W. Conrad C. W. Cook Fielding Funk

Mary Brandenburg Minnie Watson S. S. Brandenburg

Agrippa Sonner Harry Trotter James Watson

Nick Pitman J. L. Frank Walter Love

W. B. Hunter W. H. Flora Jr. Hardin Thompson

Alvin Lingenfelter J. K. P. Sonner W. E. Funkhouser

William J. Redden William Taylor John L. Frank

William Windell Jesse Long Arthur Hardsaw

William Best Hedges the peddler Mary A. Wright

Samuel Franks Rev. Wm. Coffman J. E. Funk

James H. Greer Barbara E. Felts Martin Montgomery

CASH EXPENDITURES

B .F Hurst... Materials $23.44

J. J. Bulleit & Son... Materials 54.72

Ed Bean... Materials 9.80

H. E. Kendle... Nails 4.81

Peoples Store... Bolts .90

Abraham Fleshman... Timber 6.30

George Mowrer... Carpenter work 16.33

Mayo Redden... “ “ 37.30

Smith the Peddler... Stove and pipe 5.50

August 18, 1903... Rev. Thom expenses to Louisville 2.00

“ 15, “ ... Harvey Rendle freight and wharfage 4.80

“ 20, “ ... Keller & Co. 10 window sash 30.00

September 8, 1903... 24 barrels of lime 16.20

“ 12, “ ... Leonidas Kintner carpenter work 2.00

“ 18, “ ... J. M. Enlow mason work 5.00

“ “ “ ... Jacob Wright hauling timber 1.00

“ 24 “ ... Ed. B. Swan 400 ft. lumber 3.20

“ 26 “ ... Lee Kintner carpenter work 11.60

“ “ “ ... George Mowrer “ “ 5.00

[p. 6]

September 26, 1903... Robert Shireman expenses at Corydon .50

“ “ “ ... David Stonecipher plastering work 10.00

October 30, 1903 ... John Mauck carpenter work 5.00

“ “ “ ... George Mowrer “ “ 3.00

“ “ “ ... Ed. B. Swan 612 ft. lumber 4.85

November 3, “ ... Abe Wright work at sawmill 5.75

“ 7, “ ... George Sawson hauling materials from Corydon .70

December 9, “ ... Sam Franks for lumber 1.40

“ 10, “ ... James E. Funk Nails 3.60

“ 11, “ ... Bro. W. R. Thom. telephone .35

“ 16, “ ... James Weaver mason work .50

“ 19, “ ... Hotel and livery bill at Corydon 1.75

FOLLOWING ARE SOME ITEMS FROM AN OLD NOTEBOOK

October 20, 1902, Board of Trustees met at Bro. John L. Franks to organize the board. The following members of the board being present. John L. Franks, George Rook, Robert Shireman, and J. K. P. Sonner. Rev. W. R. Thom being present was relected chairman pro tem and J. K. P. Sonner secretary pro tem. The Chair announced nominations in order where’n from the following trustees were nominated and elected as follows. Robert Shireman president, J. K. P. Sonner was elected permanent secretary and John L. Simler was duly elected treasurer of said board. Said officers to hold their elected offices during the pleasure of said board unless otherwise removed. This 20 day of October 1902. Board adjourned. Rev. W. R. Thom chairman pro tem and J. K. P. Sonner secretary.

Wesley Chapel Class Mauckport charge New Albany District.

Board of Trustees for Wesley Chapel charge John L. Frank, George Rook, Robert Shireman, John L. Simler and J. K. P. Sonner. Robert Shireman was elected to fill vanancy caused by the death of Brother Alonzo Wright. Done at the Mauckport Quarterly Conference held November 10, 1902. W. R. Thom, Pastor in charge.

December 30, 1902.. Robert Shireman President of Board of Trustees reported that Rev. Fulgrum? of the Congressional Church had announced that he would preach at Wesley Chapel Jan. 1, 1903 without a permit from trustees of said church, after due consideration the members of the board entered their protest against said proposed service on the ground of his not having obtained a proper permit.

Robert Shireman president, J. L. Simler treasurer and J. K. P. Sonner secretary.

Wesley Chapel Board of Trustees met by call of President Jan. 3, 1903 for the purpose of employing a janitor for said church to serve during a term of 12 months from the 3rd day of January 1903 to 3rd January 1904. Work required build fires, keep the church clean, keep the lamps in proper trim, ring the bell for church services, toll the bell for funeral occasions and keep good order in and about the church. Chairman of board called for bids on the janitorship and two were received. Said bids were considered and rejected. Members of the board present John L. Frank, Lee Simler, Robert Shireman and J. K. P. Sonner. Board adjorned.

Robert Shireman President and J. K. P. Sonner secretary.

Wesley Chapel Ind. January 10, 1903. Board of Trustees met by call of president the following members being present John L. Simler, Robert Shireman and J. K. P. Sonner, said meeting being for the purpose of employing a janitor for said church for the ensuing 12 months. The Chairman called for bids. The following were received. C.O. Montgomery $13.50 and John Shireman $16.00 and after due consideration the contract was awarded to C. C. Montgomery and duly signed and entered into on the above date. Board adjorned. Robert Shireman President and J. K. P. Sonner secretary.

March 13, 1901... Belle Coffmans birthday dinner total number present 45. The following persons whose birthday was today were present. Belle Coffman age 45, John H. Sherrill age 52, J. K. P. Sonner age 59 and Aunt Em, Hisey age 61.. combined ages 217.. average 54 1/4.

By mutual consent Aunt Em. Hisey was crowned queen of the occasion.

By call of the President the Board of Trustees of Wesley Chapel met at John L. Franks on the night of March 21, 1903 for the purpose of taking steps to repair the church, after due consideration the board decided to repair said church at an early date. Rev. W. R. Thom and the full board of trustees being present and voted as a unit on the motion to repair said church.

April 15, 1903... The following persons helped to cut and saw logs to make lumber for Wesley Chapel Church.

Robert Shireman 1/2 day S. N. Frank 1/2 day

J. L. Simler “ George W. Shireman “

John W. Shireman “ Tom Wright “

Jacob Wright “ Rev. W. R. Thom “

James G. Shireman “ J. K. P. Sonner 1/4 day

Number who worked 10.

These items came from some old familys records handed down.

October 5, 1962

[signature of Donnie Simler]

Donnie Simler, R 4, Corydon, Indiana.

Sixth Generation of the John Simler Sr. Mentioned at the beginning of this article.

Additional Information

The following letter was composed by Alva Shireman, Trustee of Wesley Chapel Cemetery, on July 13, 1965. The original letter is on file at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy in Corydon, Indiana.

Note: Shown as written in the original letter:

Wesley Chapel cemetery covers the plot of ground where the old Republican meeting house was

On ground deeded to John Simler and Joel Wright, Trustees for to build a meeting house by Isaac Kaga and William Somer wach one receiving $5 a piece for ½ acre each Deed made in 1848 by Harvey Heth and recorded by L. Lenoard recorder of Harrison Co in book T pages 461 and 462. Land was in Heth township at that time.

The oldest grave in cemetery is Mary Somer, born Dec 9 1809, died 7-28-1824. Then Elizabeth Cunningham – 1843.

Compiled by Alva Shireman

July 13, 1965, Trustee of Cemetery.

Please do not copy without first getting permission from Kevin Conrad kevin-conrad@sbcglobal.net