This month's Grave Spotlight of the Month is for Elder John Vawter, a pioneer founder of Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana, though as we will see later on in this blog, that may not be entirely the truth. 

John Vawter was born in Orange County (now Madison County), Virginia on January 8, 1782 to Reverend Jesse Vawter (1755-1838) and Elizabeth Watts Vawter (1762-1830), both natives of Virginia on January 8, 1782.  He was the eldest of 6 siblings, the other beings: William Vawter (1783-1868), James Vawter (1783-1873), Sarah "Sally" Vawter Stribling (1789-1871), Achilles Vawter (1794-1862), Ann Vawter Moncrief (1797-1887).  His family moved to North Carolina when he was an infant.  At some point his family must have also lived in Tennessee as one of his siblings was born there.  They also lived in Scott County, Kentucky for a time where he converted to Baptism and was licenses as a Baptist preacher before moving on to Madison, Indiana, where his father was also a preacher.

While in Madison John served in various public positions. He was the town's first magistrate, Sheriff of Jefferson and Clarke Counties and US Marshall from 1812/1814 to 1829. During the Indian Campaign from 1811-1813, he served as a frontier ranger.  He was also was State Legislator for Jennings, Brown and Bartholomew Counties in 1836.  John was a Civil Engineer by trade and was responsible for surveying Jennings County in 1813, platting the town of Vernon.  He also became its first permanent resident in 1815.  In 1820, he served as the first pastor of Vernon.  

John Vawter was a very busy man.  For nine (9) years, he served as the clerk of Silver Creek Association and then went on to hold the same position with the Creek Coffee Association for twenty-two (22) years.  During this time, he continued to preach and survey.

In 1835, he sent $3000 in merchandise to Morgantown to start a general store and in 1848, he moved to there. It is said that he presented a brick church to the Baptist congregation.  Now, while he was an important part of Morgantown's history, he was not the founder of the town as is stated in many places.  Morgantown was founded in 1831 by Robert Bowles and Samuel Teeters.  It was originally a mill town, possibly with little in the way of actual layout. So in 1836, Colonel Vawter arrived to help re-plat the town along with Isabelle Teeters, wife of the original founder, Samuel Teeters.

He was married four times in total.  His first wife was Polly M. Campbell Smith Vawter (1782-1825), who is buried in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana. They were married on December 17, 1805. With her he had three children, as far as we are aware: Jane Vawter Storey (1809-1864), buried in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana; Colonel Smith David Vawter (1806-1882), buried in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana;  and Emily Vawter Campbell (1814-1877), buried in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana.

 His second was Jane/Margaret Smith Vawter (1800-1826).  They were married somewhere around 1826 and it appears that she died shortly thereafter. She is buried in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana.  There are no children listed for them.  

The third was Ruth Minton Vawter (1805-1850).  Their marriage date is not known. They had three children: Marion Vawter (1830-1880), buried in Old Baptist Church Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana; Mary Ann Vawter Obenshain (1836-1897), buried in Old Baptist Church Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan ounty, Indiana; and John Allan Vawter (1832-1874), buried in Old Baptist Church Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana. She is buried in Old Baptist Church cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana.

Finally was Martha McGannon Pearce Wilson Vawter (1822-1892).  They were married around 1853.  She is buried in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana. They had one child: Emma Vawter (buried in Old Baptist Church Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana.  Her genealogical information states that she was killed by falling lumber. 

John Vawter died on August 17, 1862 at the age of 80 years old and is buried near many of his familiy in Old Baptist Church Cemetery.  

In September each year, the town of Morgantown celebrates his life and times with the Colonel Vawter Days Celebration.  There are lots of booths with food and crafts.  I have never been regardless of the fact that I lived there for several years.  Hopefully one day, I can go.

Thanks for taking some time to learn about John Vawter.

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RESOURCES:

Indiana History - Grinstead Family and Coffee Creek Association Collection

Morgan County History Museum - History Blog John Vawter

Morgantown, Indiana - Colonel John Vawter

Vawter Family in America

Today's Walk Though the Tombstones is at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana.  It is also known as First Mount Pleasant Cemetery and is located just off of State Road 44.

GPS Coordinates: 39.46198, -86.12151

This is a current cemetery with about 2,500 interments, the earliest being 1825.  There is a church located next to the cemetery, the First Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  

We stopped by here in 2019 and for some reason, I didn't remember stopping.  Even when I look at the photos, I can't remember it. (ADHD brains....).  But, from looking at the photos, it is a beautiful cemetery with lots of old, lovely headstones.  Let's take a walk.

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Our first stop is at the grave of Robert F. Forsyth.

Born: January 29, 1852

Died: June 21, 1882

He was the son of Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) and Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  They were married in 1837 and are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

John T. Forsyth (1838-1879) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married in 1877 to Emma J. Gourley Forsyth Crawford (1860-1947).  She is buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana with he second husband, George W. Crawford.

They had one child that I have found:

Dulcie Forsyth (1878-1976) - buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana

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Here is the grave of Kate Frazier Forsyth.

Born: December 21, 1845, Shelby County, Kentucky

Died: February 19, 1931, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

She was the wife of James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917).  He is buried with her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

I don't have any information for any children.

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We now come to the grave of two of the Forsyth Children.

First is that of Lawrence Forsyth.

Born: December 19, 1876

Died: September 28, 1884

The second name listed is that of Agnes Forsyth.

Born: August 4, 1882

Died: April 4, 1883

They were the young children of Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) and Ermina Alice Cole Forsyth (1854-1918).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had two other siblings that I have found:

Luther L. Forsyth (1884-1913) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Leonard T. Forsyth (1886-1897) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (he died from diphtheria)

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This is the grave of James Harvey Forsyth.

Born: June 11. 1844

Died: December 6, 1917

He was the son of Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) and Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  They were married in 1837 and are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

John T. Forsyth (1838-1879) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert F. Forsyth (1852-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married twice, first to, Jessie Kirtley Forsyth (1845-1880).  She is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had at least two children:

Maud Lenore Forsyth Hall (1870-1960) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Edgar Thomas Forsyth (1872-1952) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife was Kate Frazier Forsyth (1845-1931), who is buried with him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

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We now stop at the grave of Matilda Forsyth Bridges.

Born: June 3, 1806

Died: March 11, 1848, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery in Shelby County, Kentucky, while she is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

She had many siblings:

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813/1815-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married in 1823 to George Bridges (1800-1872). He is buried with her, and his two later wives, in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had several children: 

Matilda Jane Bridges Alexander (1829-1907) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

George Thomas "Tom" Bridges (1831-1910) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James J. Bridges (1833-1889) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isham VanBuren "Van" Bridges (1837-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died from typhoid fever)

John D. Bridges (1839-1879) - burial is unknown

Rebecca A. Bridges Terhune (1842-1921) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Joseph Jefferson Moore.

Born: April 29, 1831, Union Township, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Robert Moore (1794-1855) and Elizabeth McKinley Moore (1800-1843).  They are both listed as being buried in Byers Cemetery, Samaria, Johnson County, Indiana.  Robert was listed as having been a hatter and a veteran of the War of 1812, as well as an associated judge in Johnson County.  His mother, Elizabeth, is said to have been a first cousin of President McKinley, though I haven't found anything linking them as of yet.

He had a couple of siblings:

Rachel A. Moore Yeoman (1833-1912) - buried in Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana

Robert M. Moore (1840-1918) - buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana

In 1856, he was married to Ermina Forsyth Moore, whose name is listed below his.

Born: February 23, 1842, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: June 5, 1902, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) and Sarah A. Hugh Forsyth (1819-1888).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

She had several siblings:

James Thomas Forsyth (1843-1910) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Almira Forsyth Kennedy Hollandbeck (1845-1914) - buried in Harris Cemetery, Union Township, Johnson County, Indiana

Matilda J. Forsyth (1848-1866) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Monroe Forsyth (1849-1914) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jasper Forsyth (1851-1904) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

They had a couple of children:

Frank Forsythe Moore (1859-1929) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Alice Moore French (1863-1934) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (she was noted as being the founder of the American War Mothers, but I can't find confirmation of this)

He had been elected to the State Senate for Johnson and Morgan Counties from 1891-1893.  He is said to have been responsible for expanding the gravel roads that connected the areas.

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This is the grave of George Bridges.

Born: May 4, 1800

Died: August 23, 1872, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married three times, first to Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1816-1848) in 1823.  She is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had several children:

Matilda Jane Bridges Alexander (1829-1907) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

George Thomas "Tom" Bridges (1831-1910) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James J. Bridges (1833-1889) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isham VanBuren "Van" Bridges (1837-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died from typhoid fever)

John D. Bridges (1839-1879) - burial is unknown

Rebecca A. Bridges Terhune (1842-1921) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife was Martha Clark Bridges (1828-1856).  They were married in 1848 and she is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had one child that I found:

William Allen Bridges (1850-1930) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His third and final wife is Elizabeth A. Prather Bridges (1831-1911).  They were married on October 16, 1856 and she is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had three children that I have found:

Hiram Dillard Bridges (1857-1920) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Adeline Bridges McQuinn (1859-1903) - buried in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana

Henry Bridges (1865-1924) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (he is listed as having died at the Central Insane Hospital in Indianapolis, the cause of death being Angina Pectoris)

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Our next stop is at the grave of Salomoa Vandivier.

Born: unknown

Died: June 24, 1879

She was the daughter of John Henry Vandivier (1838-1922) and Susannah Pesley Vandivier (1840-1893).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  Susannah's obituary lists that she died of consumption.

She had at least one sibling:

Anna Vandivier Dillman (1871-1894) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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We now come to the grave of Mary J. Catlett Lyster.

Born: January 12, 1817, Kentucky

Died: August 2, 1890, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married to Harvey "Henry" S. Lyster (1816-1887) on December 7, 1837 in Johnson County, Indiana.  His name is listed on the opposite side of the headstone in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a few children:

Mary Elizabeth Lyster Bridges (1838-1901) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died of pneumonia)

William Henry Lyster (1840-1915) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mildred Catlett Lyster Forsyth (1845-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isabelle Griffen Lyster Forsythe (1850-1933) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Edmony Forest Lyster (1859-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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Here is the grave of Harvey "Henry" S. Lyster.

Born: December 2, 1816, Mercer County, Kentucky

Died: August 15, 1887, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Cornelius L. Luyster (1789-1876) and Elizabeth Utley Luyster (1796-1891).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

Nancy Luyster Garshwiler (1814-1898) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Rachel Luyster Kerlin (1815-1890) - buried in Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hopewell, Johnson County, Indiana

Josiah Utley Lyster (1818-1911) - buried in Elk Falls Cemetery, Elk Falls, Elk County, Kansas

James W. Lyster (1821-1854) - buried in Atterbury Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Peter Van Lyster (1823-1886) - buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana

Martha Ann Luyster Garshwiler (1824-1919) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Elizabeth Hamilton Luyster Garshwiler (1828-1906) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Susan H. Lyster Paris (1830-1912) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Serilda Luyster Deer (1835-1920) - buried in Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hopewell, Johnson County, Indiana

John Preston Lyster (1836-1924) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Mary J. Catlett Lyster (1817-1890) on December 7, 1837 in Johnson County, Indiana.  She is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a few children:

Mary Elizabeth Lyster Bridges (1838-1901) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died of pneumonia)

William Henry Lyster (1840-1915) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mildred Catlett Lyster Forsyth (1845-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isabelle Griffen Lyster Forsythe (1850-1933) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Edmony Forest Lyster (1859-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Furnata Garshwiler.

Born: August 20, 1806, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: November 27, 1872, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the wife of John Ortkies Garshwiler (1798-1867).  He is buried next to her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  According to an article, the Garshwiler farm was located next to the First Mount Pleasant Church and next to that was the Lyster Farm.

They had several children:

Shelby H. Garshwiler (1823-1892) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Joseph F. Garshwiler (1833-1904) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

Elizabeth L. Garshwiler Deer (1834-1912) - buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirklin, Clinton County, Indiana

William I. Garshwiler (1836-1882) - buried in Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, Denton County, Texas (he was a Civil War Soldier, a Freemason and a stagecoach driver)

Dorinda S. Garshwiler Deer (1838-1912) - buried in Deer Cemetery, Providence, Johnson County, Indiana

Ephraim S. Garshwiler (1841-1850) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Francis M. Garshwiler (1843-1850) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Sarah A. Garshwiler (1845-1846) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Furnata Isabel Garshwiler (1849-1849) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Lydia Caroline Garshwiler (1850-1851) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Ara Kendrick Garshwiler (1852-1925) - buried in Riverside Cemetery, Andrews, Huntington County, Indiana

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Here is the grave of John Ortkies Garshwiler.

Born: November 24, 1798, Mercer County, Kentucky

Died: December 7, 1867, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Abraham Garshwiler (1776-?) and Christenia Ortkies Garshwiler (1781-1864).  It is unknown when Abraham died, but it was likely before 1826 as he is not listed amongst those that came to Johnson County, though his wife Christenia is listed as coming here and she is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery nearby.

He had several siblings:

Elizabeth Garshwiler Canary (1796-1835) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary "Polly" Garshwiler Simpson (1800-1853) - buried in Simpson Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Susannah Garshwiler (1803-1830) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Nancy Garshwiler Hunt (1812-1873) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

George Garshwiler (1813-1895) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Wesley Garshwiler (1815-1892) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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We now stop at the grave of Garret Frederick Ragsdale.

Born: October 28, 1845, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: May 29, 1900, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Harvey L. Ragsdale (1825-1904) and Lucinda U. Terhune Ragsdale (1825-1901).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had at least one sibling:

James William Ragsdale (1862-1944) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Susan Catherine Parkhurst Ragsdale, whose name is listed below his on the headstone.

Born: March 30, 1848, Indiana

Died: August 5, 1932, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of James C. Parkhurst (1825-1909) and Jane Gillespie Parkhurst (1829-1907).  They are both buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri.

Catherine had a few siblings:

William Robert Parkhurst (1852-1928) - buried in Humansville Cemetery, Humansville, Polk County, Missouri

Andrew Jackson Parkhurst (1857-1890) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Emma Parkhurst Williams (1863-1898) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Amanda J. Parkhurst (1867-1884) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

They had several children:

Ira E. Ragsdale (1866-1934) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James H. Ragsdale (1868-1946) - buried in Cress Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois

Doctor Claude/Claudius Earnes Ragsdale (1869-1946) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Odos Mao Ragsdale (1872-1873) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Alta J. Ragsdale (1874-1876) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Reverend George Tilden Ragsdale (1876-1937) - buried in Fairview Cemetery, DeKalb, DeKalb County, Illinois

Walter Everet Ragsdale (1878-1947) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Malinda J. Garrison Forsyth.

Born: August 5, 1831

Died: December 21, 1882

She was married twice, first to William H. Garrison (1829-1868). They were married in 1860 and he is buried in Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Needham Township, Johnson County, Indiana.

They had two children:

Ella Garrison Paris (1854-1883) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Addie May Garrison Pritchard (1862-1886) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Her second husband, whose name is on the opposite side of the headstone, was Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900).  They were married in 1873.  I see no information for children from this union.

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Here is the grave of Thomas Forsyth.

Born: January 23, 1816, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Died: May 17, 1900, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery in Shelby County, Kentucky, while she is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813/1815-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married twice, first to Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  Her name is also on the headstone in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had many children:

John T. Forsyth (1838-1879) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert F. Forsyth (1852-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife was Malinda J. Garrison Forsyth (1831-1882).  They were married in 1873 and her name is on the opposite side of the headstone.

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Our stop now is at the grave of Lucy H. Keaton Forsyth.

Born: January 1836, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: March 31, 1913, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Judge William Keaton (1794-1878) and Sarah "Sallie" H. Johnson Keaton (1800-1886).  They were married in 1818 and are buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

She had many siblings:

Benjamin J. Keaton (1820-1913) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Emily Keaton Smith (1824-1870) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

William J. Keaton (1826-1876) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

John Keaton (1829-1915) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Nancy Keaton Pritchard (1830-1887) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiaan

Mildred Keaton Woodruff (1833-1920) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Susan Keaton Kerlin (?-?) - burial unknown 

Elizabeth J. Keaton Hardin (1840-1930) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to John T. Forsyth (1838-1979). He is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a couple of children:

Clarence Forsyth (1859-1912) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana (according to a cabinet card of him, he was a Professor of Music in Stuttegart 1882-1885; ?? 1887-1889, Berlin 1894-1895 and Paris 1896)

Mary Jane Forsyth (?-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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Here is the grave of John T. Forsyth.

Born: 1838

Died: August 11, 1879, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He was the son of Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) and Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert F. Forsyth (1852-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Lucy H. Keaton Forsyth (1836-1913).  He is buried near her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a couple of children:

Clarence Forsyth (1859-1912) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana (according to a cabinet card of him, he was a Professor of Music in Stuttegart 1882-1885; ?? 1887-1889, Berlin 1894-1895 and Paris 1896)

Mary Jane Forsyth (?-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

Here we are at the grave of John Marion Core.

Born: February 27, 1836

Died; February 5, 1918

He was the son of Jacob Core (1801-1858) and Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

William Thomas Core (1829-1871) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Core Forsyth (1832-1905) - buried in Forsythe-Featherngill Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

James Casper Core (1834-1912) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert Newton Core (1841-1880) - buried in Centennial Cemetery, Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana

Jacob Elias Core (1844-1909) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Jefferson Core (846-1918) - buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Odon, Daviess County, Indiana

Henry L. Core (1851-1865) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Matilda Ellen Core Hamilton (1852-1936) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Abigail Parkhurt Core in 1857, whose name is listed next to his on the headstone.

Born: 1841

Died: October 11, 1879, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of John Parkhurst (1799-1875) and Abigail Sellers Parkhurst (1799-1859). He is buried in Bethlehem Cemetery in Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana, while Abigail is buried in Forsyth Cemetery in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.  They were both born in Kentucky.

She had many siblings as well:

Matilda "Tilda" Parkhurst Hunt (1819-1890) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Owen Parkhurst (1821-1891) - buried in Deer Cemetery, Providence, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert Samuel Parkhurst (1823-1911) - buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Montgomery County, Kansas

James C. Parkhurst (1825-1909) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Wilson T. Parkhurst (1828-1859) - buried in Forsyth Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Elijah Parkhurst (1829-1848) - buried in Forsyth Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Ann Parkhurst Sawin (1832-1858) - buried in Shepherd Cemetery, Mount Auburn, Shelby County, Indiana

John Parkhurst (1835-1926) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Lucinda Carolina Parkhurst Core (1834-1914) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Martha J. Parkhurst (1844-1868) - buried in Bethlehem Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

John and Abigail has several children:

Melvina "Mellie" Ellen Core (1860-1919) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary J. Core (1862-1886) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (she died after 9 days of pneumonia)

Anna May Core (1872-1901) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

William Fifield Core (1874-1947) - buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah

Olive Myrtle Core (1875-1929) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Hannibal Core (1878-1878) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (name is listed on the same headstone)

Lily B. Core (1867-1867) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~

This is the grave of James Forsyth.

Born: July 6, 1813, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Died: March 18, 1887, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery, Shelby County, Kentucky while she is buried near in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Ellen N. Ragsdale Forsyth Barnett (1818-1892) in February 1837.  They had no children.

~~~

Walking around the other side, we have the grave of Ellen N. Ragsdale Forsyth Barnett.

Born: January 11, 1818, Kentucky

Died: February 5, 1892, Indiana

She was the daughter of Frederick Ragsdale (1795-1864) and Sarah Hunter Ragsdale (1794-1875).  They are buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery nearby.

She had many siblings:

Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Camma Ralsamon Ragsdale (1820-1897) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Martha Ann Ragsdale Easton (1822-1873) - buried in Normanda Cemetery, Normanda, Tipton County, Indiana

Henderson Ragsdale (1823-1913) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Harvey L. Ragsdale (1825-1904) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John Tyler Ragsdale (1829-1903) - buried in Mullikin Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married first to James Forsyth (1813-1887) in February 1837.  They had no children.  His name is on the opposite side of the headstone from hers.

After his death, she remarried to William. H. Barnett (1820-1893) in 1888.  They also had no children.  He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~

This is the grave of David Forsyth.

Born: May 6, 1820

Died: December 3, 1859, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery, Shelby County, Kentucky while she is buried near in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Henningham Clark Forsyth Nay Greer (1820-1897) in 1839.  She is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Interestingly, his headstone states that he was the "husband of H. Forsyth".  This is interesting as I never have seen this (as far as I can remember) on a headstone.  It is usually "the wife of" someone.

~~~

Here is the grave of Frank Forsythe Moore.

Born: January 7, 1859, Indiana

Died: August 1, 1929, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He was the son of Joseph Jefferson Moore (1831-1910) and Ermina Forsyth Moore (1842-1975).  Both are buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

I have only found the name of one sibling for him:

Alice Moore French (1863-1934) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to May Wyeth Moore (1860-1950), though I can find no further information about her.

 

They had one child:

Frances Isabella Moore Twogood (1890-1975) - buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, Los Angeles County, California

~~~

Here we are at the grave of Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune.

Born: September 30, 1787, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Died: February 2, 1856, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Thomas Sturgeon Jr. (1762-1849) and Sara Jane Hume Sturgeon (1767-1849).  They are both buried in Long Run Cemetery, Eastwood, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

She had a few siblings:

Elizabeth Sturgeon Eaton (1795-1826) - buried in Long Run Cemetery, Eastwood, Jefferson County, Kentucky

James Sturgeon (1804-1860) - buried in Sturgeon Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Nancy Sturgeon Conn (1806-1847) - buried in Long Run Cemetery, Eastwood, Jefferson County, Kentucky

She was married twice, first to James Forsyth (1777-1821) on April 21, 1805.  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery, Shelby County, Kentucky.

They had several children:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Her second husband was Garret Terhune (1791-1875) and then were married on August 3, 1851.  He is buried in Old Stotts Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana.  They had no children.

~~~

We now stop at the grave of James T. Alexander.

Born: November 16, 1849

Died: March 3, 1865

He was the young son of Armstrong Alexander (1823-1899) and Matilda Jane Bridges Alexander (1829-1907).  They are both buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

He had several siblings:

H.K. Alexander (1837-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana 

Mary A. Alexander Peggs (1847-1933) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Alice F. Alexander (1859-1875) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Vincent Ivan Alexander (1865-1909) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (an obituary stated that he was dying of cancer and decided to take his own life)

~~~

Here is the grave of Mildred Admire Vandivier.

Born: July 18, 1813, Henry County, Kentucky

Died: March 20, 1854, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Jacob Admire (1790-1872) and Susan Sarah Keaton Admire (1796-1861).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

She had a few siblings:

Nancy Admire Turney (1815-1867) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Eady Admire Zook (1817-1878) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Doctor Oliver R. Admire (1827-1875) - buried in Irons Cemetery, Belleville, Hendricks County, Indiana

She was married to Madison Vandivier (1819-1858) on November 10, 1831, in Johnson County, Indiana.  He is buried near her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had several children:

William Admire Vandivier (1833-1865) - his burial is unknown though probably somewhere in Wilmington, NC as that was where he died while serving in the Civil War

Sarah Ann Vandivier Davis (1836-1876) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (she died from lung hemorrhage) 

James Sylvester Vandivier (1838-1842) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Susan Vandivier (1841-1842) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

James Madison "Bud" Vandivier (1843-1898) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Francis Marion Vandivier (1853-1931) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~

I photographed a lot of graves when we went, so please check back for part two.

Thanks.

I hope that you have enjoyed your walk through Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  You can read more about it here.  

 This month's grave spotlight focuses in on a very controversial and somewhat outlandish figure in Morgan, Brown and Monroe counties history - Reverend William N. Crabb, founder of the Crabbite religion.

William N. Crabb was born in 1856 in Barren County, Kentucky to Abraham J. Crabb (1834-1915) and Mahala P. Tanner Crabb (1837-1887).  He had a few siblings that I have found names of: Jemima "Mima" E. Crabb Osborne (1855-1939), Eliza Frances Crabbe Followell (1859-1898) and Martha Ann Crabb Petro (1862-1934).  There is a discrepancy in the names of his children, however.  I did find mention of a Martha Crabb Skaggs in various articles as well.

His father, Abraham, was one of the earliest settlers of Nashville, Brown County, Indiana, though I have not found much information as to what his occupation was.  He did, however, serve in the Civil War in Company G of the 79th Indiana Infantry.

On October 19, 1879, he married Miss Mary Ann Petro (though her headstone says Nancy Ann Petro Harrington) (1858-1957).  They had thirteen children, though little is known of them other than their names: Mary Ann Crabb Satter (1891-1959), Minnie Catherine Crabb Pentecost (1895-1958), Jemima Crabb (?-?), Martha Crabb (?-?), Anna Crabb (?-?), Liza Crabb (?-?), Lillie Crabb (?-?) Tuchulia Crabb (?-?), Idela Crabb (?-?) and his only son, Frank Crabb (?-?).

Not much is known about William's life before he organized his religion.  What we do know is that he had little formal education, but was a forceful speaker with a convincing voice, which was a draw for the locals.  He was noted as having been a farm laborer and also a mail carrier for the post offices father out from Nashville. 

The early formation of the Church of the First Born was from two visiting men from Indianapolis.  They arrived on Gose Creek in Morgan County, Indiana.  This was a hard one to figure out, because when searching for the location, I was repeatedly taken to a Goose Creek in Morgan County.  But after a little more looking, I did indeed find a Gose Creek, which has a nearby cemetery.  There are no Crabbs buried there.

These men from the metropolis in Marion County, Indiana, brought with them their marvelous teachings.  They declared all other doctrines to be false and also that they "were possessed of miraculous powers". The locals began to flock to their church, which was in a small, old log cabin. Their teachings became so popular that the log cabin could barely hold the numbers of believers.

This new faith, which as noted before stated that all other doctrine was false, preached that the earth was square, using the first verse of the Book of Revelations as their proof:

"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor the sea, nor any tree."

Their teachings also denied that Jesus was born in a manger, but instead under an apple tree.  Where that idea came from, is not noted anywhere, mostly because, even though they preached the Bible to prove their beliefs that the earth is square, they do not quote the Bible.  Instead, these men claimed divine inspiration and forcing all that followed them to believe without questions.  They also believed that all sickness was banished by laying on hands and devils were cast out by them and them alone.

But, not all those in the area were as fanatical about the new religion and the small, log cabin meetinghouse was destroyed by dynamite, scattering the believers to instead become devout followers of the Reverend William Crabb, residing in Brown County.  He preached in an open air church, using a tree stump to deliver his wild teachings.  He claimed that he could handle poisonous snakes without danger to himself, which he should free to his audience.  

But this wasn't all he did while preaching.  He introduced something called the "Holy Kiss", which, from what I can tell, was him talking in tongues during his sermons.  He also added foot-washing to his litany of practices, with what intentions, I am unsure.  

According to an article in the Indianapolis News, dated May 23, 1908:

"On May 14, the converts of this Moses of the Brown county wilderness were repulsed by nonbelievers in a sensational fight when the attempted to restore the dead of life." 

This was shown to be one of their beliefs when one the members of the group passed away from consumption.  The family set out for her burial at Goose Creek Cemetery (actually Gose Creek Cemetery as I found a listing for her burial).  They stopped the family from proceeding with the burial and instead attempted to resurrect her by praying and laying on hands.  

It would seem that not only did William Crabb believe that he was immune to the bite of snakes, but that these same snakes could use their venom to bring back the dead.  They also believed that "those of the faith will instantly know it if sin, sickness or accident befalls a brother or a sister of the faith, and when this impression comes to them even though miles be between, they pray and overcome the untoward condition that threatens".  This belief also extended to disarming their enemies, which they were using said power against the man, or men, that destroyed their original meeting place.

Many people truly believed that he was nothing more than a con man and that the supposed venomous snakes that he used in his circus sideshow preachings were nothing more than harmless black snakes that the illiterate followers would not recognize.  These followers were stated as being "ginseng diggers, blackberry pickers, bushmen and men and women who can not read or write".  Those with a modicum of education believe that this teachings were nothing more than "tom-foolery".  Even with that, they also believed that he was doing good by teaching these isolated people, regardless of his beliefs.  That seems some what backward.

William Crabb travelled all over Brown County, into the hollers and valleys to preach this bizarre religion.  These travelling priests were called Circuit Riders.  He did have a settled home on a farm between Morgantown and Cornelius, which  was an unincorporated town in Jackson Township, Brown County, Indiana.  

Their religion, however, seems to have not been just a local bit of oddness, but had farther reaching fingers.  An article in The Newton Enterprise from Newton, North Carolina, dated July 1, 1909, noted that the Crabbites believed voting to be one of the deadly sins.  

Regardless of what the beliefs were, William Crabb and his followers have woven their religion into the fabric of Brown and Morgan Counties.  Now, if you will remember, at the beginning, I listed Monroe County as well.  And that is because, for some reason, even though there is no written proof anywhere that I can find, many have said that these people performed strange rituals and orgies in the woods of the Morgan Monroe State Forest, particularly at Stepp Cemetery.  This cemetery is riddled with all kinds of ghosts stories and hauntings, which, in my opinion, as much as I love a good ghost story, is all hokum.  I have been to Stepp Cemetery and it is a lovely, calm little burial spot nestled amongst the trees.  Somewhere amongst the stories it is said that Reuben Stepp purchased the land in 1856 and he bequeathed and area for a church for the Crabbites to preach at.  This makes little sense since this is on the wrong side of the Morgan County area, closer, as noted to Monroe County, while William lived up on the Morgan/Brown border area nearer to Morgantown.  And since William was a circuit rider, he stuck in a small area and preached open air.  It seems to me that since people like to attached a variety of hauntings to Stepp Cemetery, they grabbed a hold of the Crabbites as well.  There doesn't appear to be any true association.

To sum up, William Crabb (middle name unknown, though the initials N., V. and W. all seem to be attached to him) was a fanatical preacher of an odd sect of Christianity with an odd following of believers and nonbelievers alike.

He is buried in Mount Zion Separate Baptist Cemetery in Morgantown, Indiana having passed away on December 3, 1927.  

As a note, the Separate Baptist beliefs do not align with the Crabbite belief in any way.

~~~~

RESOURCES

Brown County Journal - February 15, 2012

Countryfolk - Followers of the Reverend William Crabb

Genealogy Trails - Circuit Riders, Ministers & Pastors Biographies

Wikipedia - Cornelius, Indiana

Newspapers.com 

Newspapers.com 

Today's Walk Through the Tombstones is at Dollens Cemetery in Johnson County, Indiana.

GPS Coordinates: 39.4490310, -86.1573550

This cemetery is located at the corner of State Roads 135 and 44 just passed Trafalgar.  It is also known as the South Stotts Creek Church Cemetery and possibly the Dollings Cemetery.  At some point in its past, a tree fell and took out a couple of headstones and no one has done anything to remove the tree or repair the headstones.  At least one is likely still under the tree.  There are under 30 interments at this tiny family cemetery and so many of the stones are in terrible condition and there were a few that I couldn't find.

~~~~

Our first stop is at the grave of Elizabeth Hensley Dollens
Born: 1771, Albemarle County, Virginia
Died: February 5, 1858

Her father was William Hensley (1735-1806) and Mary Elliott Hensley (1740-1810).  They both died in Virginia, but I am not sure where they were buried.

She was the wife of Ruben/Rueben Dollens (1765-?).  He is not listed in this cemetery and I couldn't find a burial location for him at all, but he is noted to have died in Virginia.

They had at least two children:
Willis Hensley Dollins (1793-1872) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Anderson Hensley Dollins (1805-1845) - unknown

~~~

Here we have the grave of Nancy Cook Dollens.
Born: 1806, South Carolina
Died: October 19, 1864, Union Township, Johnson County, Indiana

I haven't found any information on her parents or any siblings.

She was the wife of Willis Hensley Dollins (1793-1872).  They were married on October 29, 1826 in Bartholomew County, Indiana.  He is buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

They had thirteen children:
Malinda A. Dollins Vandivier (1822-1870) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Elizabeth Dollins Hamilton (1824-1860) - buried in Shiloh Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Margaret Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Calvin Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Willis Hensley Dollins, Jr. (1830-?) - unknown
Catherine Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Martha Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Amanda Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Edwin Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Simeon Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Wilford/Winford Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Mary Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Nancy Dollins (?-?) - unknown

~~~~

This is the grave of Willis Hensley Dollins.
Born: 1793, Scott County, Virginia
Died: June 1, 1872, Johnson County, Indiana

His parents were Rueben Dollins (1765-?) and Elizabeth Hensley Dollins (1771-1858).  I am not sure where he is buried, but she is buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

He was married to Nancy Cook Dollins (1806-1864).  They were married on October 29, 1826 in Bartholomew County, Indiana.  He is buried in Dollens Cemetery near her.

They had thirteen children:
Malinda A. Dollins Vandivier (1822-1870) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Elizabeth Dollins Hamilton (1824-1860) - buried in Shiloh Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Margaret Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Calvin Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Willis Hensley Dollins, Jr. (1830-?) - unknown
Catherine Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Martha Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Amanda Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Edwin Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Simeon Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Wilford/Winford Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Mary Dollins (?-?) - unknown
Nancy Dollins (?-?) - unknown

~~~~~

We now stop at the grave of Catherine Kerlin.
Born: unknown
Died: March 31. 1855

I am unsure as to who her parents were or the names of any siblings.

She was married to Peter Kerlin (1819-1862).  He is buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

She had one child that I have found:
George Dollins Kerlin (1851-1913) - buried in Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hopewell, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

Here is the grave of Peter Kerlin.
Born: 1862
Died: 1862

I am not sure who his parents were or the names of any siblings.







~~~~

This is the grave of the Infant Nay.
Born: 1850
Died: 1850

This was the child of Elder Asa Bradford Nay (1799-1876) and Lucinda Whitesides Nay (1806-1876).  They are both buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.

He had several siblings:
John Thomas Nay (1823-1892) - buried in Mullikin Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana
Eusebia Neville Nay Terhune (1825-1892) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
James Augustus Nay (1828-1902) - buried in Brockaway Cemetery, Max, Boone County, Indiana
Joseph Whitesides Nay (1831-1851) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Samuel Milton Nay (1834-1861) - buried in Legan Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana
William Simpson Nay (1838-1874) - buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana
Asa Tyler Nay (1840-1913) - burial is listed as unknown
Matthew Walter Nay (1840-1901) - burial is listed as unknown
Robert Henry Nay (1843-1858) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Mary Elizabeth Nay Parish (1846-1881) - buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana
Leander Thompson Nay (1852-1895) - burial is listed as unknown.

~~~~~

Here is the grave of Joseph Whitesides Nay.
Born: April 11, 1831, Oldham County, Kentucky
Died: May 22, 1851, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Elder Asa Bradford Nay (1799-1876) and Lucinda Whitesides Nay (1806-1876).  They are both buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.

He had several siblings:
John Thomas Nay (1823-1892) - buried in Mullikin Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana
Eusebia Neville Nay Terhune (1825-1892) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
James Augustus Nay (1828-1902) - buried in Brockaway Cemetery, Max, Boone County, Indiana
Samuel Milton Nay (1834-1861) - buried in Legan Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana
William Simpson Nay (1838-1874) - buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana
Asa Tyler Nay (1840-1913) - burial is listed as unknown
Matthew/Nathan Walter Nay (1840-1901) - burial is listed as unknown
Robert Henry Nay (1843-1858) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Mary Elizabeth Nay Parish (1846-1881) - buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana
Infant Nay (1850-1850) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Leander Thompson Nay (1852-1895) - burial is listed as unknown.

~~~~

We now stop at the grave of Edmond Petty.
Born: 1802
Died: March 22, 1884, Indiana

His obituary states that he was buried in the Baptist Cemetery, which was likely another name for this cemetery.

He was married to Lucinda Petty (?-1883), who is buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

I have found no other information for him.

~~~~

Here is the lower half of the headstone of Lucinda Petty.
Born: unknown
Died: August 23, 1883

She was the wife of Edmond Petty (1802-1884).  He is buried near her in Dollens Cemetery.

I have no other information for her.




~~~~

We now stop at the grave of John T. Tapp.
Born: 1851
Died: September 16, 1870, Indiana

He was the son of Richard Thompson Tapp (1814-1893) and Sarah Sellers Tapp (1809-1878).  They are both buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

He had several siblings:
Mary A. Tapp Figg (1835-1861) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Martha A. Tapp Parkhust (1838-1893) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Samuel Milton Tapp (1840-1881) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Sarah Tapp Terhune (1843-1876) - unknown
Wilson T. Tapp (1846-1905) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Theodore Tapp (1861-?) - unknown

I found it interesting that when we took a good look at his grave, the stone appears to be almost wrinkled.  I assume that at one point there were some vines or something that had grown all over the stone and changed the texture.

~~~~~

Here is the grave of Richard Thompson Tapp.
Born: September 22, 1813, Virginia
Died: August 16, 1893, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

I have found some confusion concerning his parents and siblings.  I will list what I have found below.  If anyone can clarify, please let me know.

The first listing for his parents and siblings are  William Tapp (1789-1850) and Mary Susan Gibson Tapp (1795-?).  I am unsure as to where they are buried.

He had several siblings:
Sarah Ann Tapp (1815/1816-1887) - buried in Mullikin Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana (I am not 100% certain about this one, but the time frame and the burial site seem to be correct)
Lucy Jane Tapp (1816-?)  - unknown
William P. Tapp (1818/1819-1897) - buried in Mount Olive United Methodist Church Cemetery, Bethany, Bartholomew County, Indiana
Evan Moore Tapp (1824-?) - unknown
Elizabeth H. Tapp (1826-?) - unknown
Mary A. Tapp (1830-?) - unknown

The second listing for his parents his William Jett Tapp (1755-1823) and Catherina Jemima Hopper Tapp (1757-1836).  They were both born in Culpepper County, Virginia and it looks like they both died there, but I am unsure where they were buried.  She was the daughter of Thomas Hopper (?-?) and Mary Ann Hopper (?-?).  I haven't located any information on their burials.  Thanks for the information, Derry!

Siblings would have been as follows:
Ann Tapp Spillman (1780-1850) - unknown
William Tapp (1788-1823) - unknown
Jemima Tapp (1789-1828) - unknown
Elizabeth Tapp (1791-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Dolly Tapp (1791-1792) - unknown
Daniel Tapp (1792-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Armistead Tapp (1785-1854) - unknown
Rebecca Tapp (1793-1850) - unknown
Henry Tapp (1796-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
W. Lewis Tapp (1797-1877) - unknown
Susan Tapp (1799-1861) - unknown
Amelia Tapp (1800-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Mary Tapp Basye (1800-1880) - buried in Richard Basye Cemetery, Burton. Howard County, Missouri
David Tapp (1802-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Elijah Adams Tapp (1802-1896) - unknown
Joseph Tapp (1803-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Eleanor Tapp (1805-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Mary Ann Tapp (1809-1848) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)
Sophia Tapp (1815-?) - unknown (This is an unlikely sibling as he was listed as being born in Potterspury, which is a town in Northern England.  There is no evidence that William and Catherine ever went to England)

So as you can see there are several of these listed that I really don't think are correct.  There would have been no way for William and Catherine to make several trips back and forth to England and have children born in all of these places.  It is very unlikely that this second set of family is correct.  I have an

He was married twice.  His first wife was Sarah Sellars Tapp (1809-1878).  They were married in 1833.  She is buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

They had several children:
Mary A. Tapp Figg (1835-1861) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Martha A. Tapp Parkhust (1838-1893) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Samuel Milton Tapp (1840-1881) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Sarah Tapp Terhune (1843-1876) - unknown
Wilson T. Tapp (1846-1905) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
John T. Tapp (1851-1870) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Theodore Tapp (1861-?) - unknown

His second wife was Nancy Jane Utterback Tapp Langley (1837-1914).  They were married in 1879.  She is buried in Friendship Park Cemetery, Paragon, Morgan County, Indiana.  I don't believe that they had any children.

His obituary states that he died from a severe attack of flux.  I believe that flux means dysentery.

~~~

This is the grave of Samuel Milton Tapp.
Born: 1832
Died: June 26, 1881

He was the son of Richard Thompson Tapp (1813-1893) and Sarah Sellars Tapp (1809-1878).  They are both buried nearby in Dollens Cemetery.

He had several siblings:
Mary A. Tapp Figg (1825-1861) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Martha A. Tapp Parkhust (1838-1893) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Sarah Tapp Terhune (1843-1876) - unknown
Wilson T. Tapp (1846-1905) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
John T. Tapp (1851-1870) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Theodore Tapp (1861-?) - unknown

He was married to Mary Catherine Caywood Tapp (1844-1906).  She is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana.

They have several children:
Elza Milton Tapp (1863-1950) - buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana
Overton Durastus Tapp (1866-1937) - buried in Riverside Cemetery, Spencer, Owen County, Indiana
Anna Elisha Tapp Pate (1869-1943) - buried in Knightridge Cemetery, Knight Ridge, Monroe County, Indiana
Walter Allen Tapp (1871-1963) - buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana
William Ira Tapp (1875-1960) - buried in New Crown Cemetery and Mausoleum, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
Emma C. Tapp Howard (1880-1974) - buried in New Crown Cemetery and Mausoleum, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
Francis Ray Tapp (1904-1975) - buried in Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
Edgar Tapp (?-?) - unknown (Thanks to Derry for the name!)

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Here we have the grave of Sarah Sellars Tapp.
Born: April 5, 1809, Kentucky
Died: January 10, 1878, Indiana

Her parents were Samuel Sellars (1767-1849) and Sarah "Sally" Ellis Sellars (1783-1856).  He was born in Ireland, while she was born in Kentucky.  They were married on March 20, 1799 in Garrard County, Kentucky and are both buried in Forsyth Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

She had several siblings:
Abigail Sellers Parkhurst (1799-1859) - buried in Forsyth Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Mary "Polly" Sellers McCaslin (1802-1871) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Elizabeth "Betsy" Sellers McCaslin (1804-1862) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Samuel Sellers (1812-1845) - unknown
Cynthia Sellers Elliason/Elleason (1815-1880) - unknown
Lucinda "Lucy" Sellers Parkhurst (1818-1878) - buried in Hamburg Cemetery, Hamburg, Fremont County, Iowa
Martin Sellers (1823-1887) - buried in Normanda Cemetery, Normanda, Tipton County, Indiana
Nelson Sellers (1825-1901) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the wife of Richard Thompson Tapp (1813-1893).  He is buried near her in Dollens Cemetery.

They had several children:
Mary A. Tapp Figg (1835-1861) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Martha A. Tapp Parkhust (1838-1893) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Samuel Milton Tapp (1840-1881) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Sarah Tapp Terhune (1843-1876) - unknown
Wilson T. Tapp (1846-1905) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
John T. Tapp (1851-1870) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
Theodore Tapp (1861-?) - unknown

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This is the grave of John Walter Terhune.
Born: May 5, 1856, Johnson County, Indiana
Died: October 18, 1879

He was the son of James Terhune (1821-1892) and Eusebia Neville Nay Terhune (1825-1892).  They were married on March 17, 1842 and are both buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

He had several siblings:
Thomas Linval Terhune (1844-1903) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Asa Garrett Terhune (1846-1898) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (he died of typhoid)
William Davis Terhune (1849-1922) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Lucinda Margaret Terhune Schuck (1852-1936) - buried in New South Park Cemetery, Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana
Ermina Addie Terhune Shank (1861-?) - buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana
Dillard Webster Terhune (1864-1865) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

I am unsure as to the name of his wife, but I did find mention of one son:
Dock Terhune (?-1879) - unknown (The obituary states that he was buried in the Bethel Baptist Church on the Three Notch Line.  From what I can tell the Three Notch Line may have been the original road that is now known as State Road 135.)

From what I can gather by the death dates and the date of the obituary for his son, it almost seems as if John and his son were in some sort of accident, one where his son, Dock, died a few days later.

~~~

And finally we come to the grave of Martha Vandivier.
Born: April 25, 1848, Johnson County, Indiana
Died: May 6, 1852, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of John Vandivier (1814-1875) and Herriot Vandivier (1818-1874).  They are both buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

She had at least two siblings that I have found:
Austin Vandivier (1839-1842) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana
William Nelson Vandivier (1852-1920) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

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Thank you for joining me on our Walk Through Dollens Cemetery.

You can visit the listing for this cemetery on Find-A-Grave  here.