The Children of Sam & Sarah Woodburn

Robert, Frank & Harry Woodburn, c. late 1880's

Back row - Robert, Harry, William; Front row, left - Frank, James, c. mid-1890's

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This photograph includes not only the Woodburn home (on Oak Street), but all of the Woodburn women (and Harry). I hope to get a better scan soon, but for the meantime, here is Sarah, Nellie, Mary, and Harry, c. late 1870's or early 1880's.

Nellie Blair Woodburn Terry

Nellie Blair Woodburn was born 3 July 1875, in Princeton, Gibson, Indiana, the seventh child and second daughter of Samuel & Sarah Connor Woodburn.

She met and married a traveling salesman, Frank M. Terry, on 16 Sep 1897, just weeks after her mother’s passing, in Princeton. They had no children. They lived in the family home with their father and sister Mary.

Frank died in Rockport, Indiana, on business, 10 July 1926 (he was born in New York in 1878). Upon Mary's death Nellie took ownership of the family home, at 704 North Main Street, until her passing, 16 Aug 1960, in Princeton. She is burried at I.O.OF. cemetary.

The following is the obituary published in the Princeton Daily Clarion, 17 August, 1960:

Funeral services for Mrs. Nellie Blair Terry, 714 N. Main, Princeton, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Colvin Chapel. The Rev. Elmon Ward will officiate. Burial follows in Warnock Cemetary.

Mrs. Terry died at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in the home of a niece, Mrs. Marsahll Mason, two and one-half miles east of Princeton. She had been ill three months.

Mrs. Terry was born and spent her entire lifetime in Princeton. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Mrs. Harry Woodburn, east of Princeton, and several other nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m., Wednesday.

The photograph in this post is of Frank M. Terry, c. 1900.

Harry Agar Woodburn

Harry Agar Woodburn was born October 17, 1869, in Princeton, Gibson, Indiana. The sixth of seven children, Harry was the fifth male born of Samuel & Sarah Connor Woodburn.

Henry Agar was a known friend and relative of the Woodburn family, as well as an Irish immagrant. This would seem the likely reason Harry was known as Henry in his youth and his middle name, Agar.

Harry was a traveling salesman and did not marry until five days before his 38th birthday. While employed with Mackey, Nesbit & Co., he met and courted a secretary. Dora Magerkurth was the daughter of German immigrants, born in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, on 28 July 1882. At six weeks old, the Magerkurth family moved to Evansville, Indiana.

Harry and Dora wed 12 October 1907, in Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana, where they also bore three children. Twins Charles Samuel and Dorothy Jane arrived 31 July 1910. A sister was born 22 October 1912, named Sara Elizabeth. After a move to Princeton, Gibson, Indiana, a daughter, Cornelia (Nellie) was born 16 September 1915.

Harry tried farming when the family moved to Princeton, due to a loss of a great deal of his vision (prohibiting him from working by his mid-40's, although he did odd jobs and drove the school bus).

From his daughters accounts, Harry was a very patient, easy-going man who loved his family. Harry died 12 March 1956 in Princeton. He is buried at Decker Cemetary in Gibson County.

The following is an obituary published in the Princeton Daily Clarion, 13 March 1956:

Harry A. Woodburn, 86, a retired farmer, died at 8 p.m. Monday at his home 2 1/2 miles east of Princeton following an illness of two weeks.

He was born in Princeton October 17, 1869, and had lived here all his life.

Survivors include his wife, Dora Magerkurth Woodburn; three daughters, Mrs. Jane Frick, at home. Mrs. Elizabeth Mason, east of Princeton, and Mrs. Nellie Geesken of Evansville; a son, James C. Woodburn of this city; a ssister, Mrs. Nellie Terry, also of this city; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Colvin Chapel by the Rev. Eugene Matthews. Burial will be in Decker Chapel cemetary.

Friends may call at the Colvin and Son Mortuary after 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Photographs in this post include: Harry, c. early 1900's; and Harry, c. early 1950's.

Frank Woodburn

Frank Woodburn was the fourth son and fifth born of Samuel & Sarah Connor Woodburn. It is unclear if Frank was an abbreviated name, as the 1870 census calls him Francis and the 1880 census calls him Franklin. All other census records call him Frank.

The following is an article from The Princeton Clarion the day after Frank's passing, 3 April 1899:

It is with profound sorrow we chronicle the death of Mr. Frank Woodburn, which sad event occurred at 10:30 o'clock yesterday forenoon at Hazelton. Mr. Woodburn had been sick for only a little over one week, and his many friends had hoped his disease would give way to the excellent medical treatment and the splendid nursing he was receiving, but it was not to be and the death angel claimed him for his own. His death was due to pneumonia and heart trouble and until a short time before his death his sufferings were great. He himself had entertained no hope of recovery from the day he was taken sick. Father, brothers, sisters and friends did all that kindly and loving hearts could do, but he told them, one and all, that his time had come, and he was going to that mother who had preceded him less than two years.

Frank was not yet 32 years of age, yet his short life had been one of intense earnestness of purpose and wise and thoughtful intentions. He was a manly boy and made a model young man. When but a boy he went into the store of his cousin H.E. Agar continuing with that house several years building up a business reputation and character which was lasting and firm. He afterwards accepted a position with Mackey, Nesbit & Co., of Evansville, where he remained five years, when he relinquished his position to go into business for himself in Hazelton, where he continued until his death. Mr. Woodburn had been engaged in business outside of this city for many

The following is an article after Frank's funeral:

Funeral of Frank Woodburn
Last sad rites in the close of life of a highly respected man

The funeral of Mr. Frank Woodburn occurred Tuesday afternoon from the residence of his father, on east Oak street, and was attended by a number of sorrowing friends and relatives. Some 50 people , including the order of Free Masons of that place, came down from Hazelton on the morning train to attend the service. Dr. A. M. Campbell, of the United Presbyterian Church, conducted the services, which were of a very impressive nature. The burial rites were according to the F.& A. M. ritual and were participated in by the Hazleton Lodge and Members of the Princeton Lodge. The floral offerings were many and beautiful, on one especially---a scroll and harp, sent by the Mackey-Nesbit Company, of Evansville--was beautiful beyond description. Under the bright April sunlight all that was mortal of the well known young man was laid to rest in Odd Fellows Cemetery, there to await the judgment morn, but his life will ever be a sacred page in the memory's book and his influence for good will last long after the body has mouldered to its mother earth.

Yet another article regarding the funeral, assumed to be from another edition of the Clarion:

The Last Sad Rites.
Funeral Of Frank Woodburn - Large Number Of Friends Pay Respect To His Memory - Floral Tributes.

There was a large crowd in attendance on Oak street at 10:30 this morning. The services were conducted by Dr. A.M. Campbell and they were very impressive. After the service at the house the remains were taken to the Odd Fellows cemetary and laid to rest. Services at the cemetary were in charge of the Hazelton lodge of Masons, assisted by Patoka and Princeton lodges. Rev. G.D. Wolfe officiated at the grave as master. The pall bearers were from the three lodges.

The floral offerings were abundant and very beautiful. Among the offerings was a very handsome pice from Mackey-Nesbit Co., Evansville. Also one from the Hazelton lodge. The casket was covered with flowers, the tribute of friends and associates.

Mary Jane Woodburn

Mary Jane Woodburn was the first daughter and fourth born of Samuel & Sarah Connor Woodburn. She was born during the Civil War, 7 February 1865, while her father was immersed in Sherman’s Campaign of the Carolinas (following the March to the Sea). She never married and lived the entirety of her life with parents or siblings. Upon her father’s passing, she received the family home. She died 25 Jan 1949, at home, in Princeton, and is buried at I.O.O.F. cemetary in Princeton.

By all accounts from her nieces, Mary could have achieved sainthhod had she been Catholic. She was a fantastic woman that everyone loved.

The following is an obituary published in the Clarion-News, 26 January 1949:

Miss Mary Jane Woodburn, 83, lifelong resident of this city, died about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at her home, 704 north Main street, following an illness of some eight months.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the residence with Rev. John C. Williams officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF cemetary.

Survivors include a sister, Nellie B. Terry, at home; a brother, Harry Woodburn, east of Princeton, and several nieces and nephews.

Miss Woodburn was born in Princeton on February 7, 1865, and a member of the United Presbyterian church and the daughters of Union Veterans.

She has been taken from the Colvin & Son funeral home to the residence, where friends may call.

William Woodburn

William Woodburn was born 6 July 1861, in Princeton, Gibson, Indiana, the third child (and third son) of Samuel & Sarah Connor Woodburn.

He married Minnie Soller, a lady of German heritage, 8 December 1892. William divorced someetime after 1900 and before 1910, as the census states he lived with his brother Harry in 1910. He was a dry goods merchant at one time, owning a corner store on the north side of the Princeton square (where the old J.C. Penny building is now). Frank died 10 February, 1936.

The following is an article from The Princeton Clarion the day after William passed, 11 February 1936:

Dies Of Exposure After Suffering Paralytic Stroke
William Woodburn found unconscious At His Home Yesterday

William Woodburn, 75, [sic] residing alone four miles northwest of Patoka on the Patoka-Gordon Hills road, died at 7:30 o’clock last night at the Methodist hospital, the first victim in this locality of the cold wave that has gripped the nation for several weeks.

Mr. Woodburn was found in an unconscious condition in his bed about noon yesterday by Sam Hunt of Patoka, who had gone to the Woodburn home to see about cutting down a tree, a matter which he had previously discussed with Mr. Woodburn When he arrived he found the door partly open, and, unable to get any response to knocks, went in and found Mr. Woodburn lying in bed, partially uncovered. His legs were frozen to his knees. No fire had been in the house for some time and the contents of the tea kettle and coffee pot on the stove were frozen solid.

In the mail box near the home were Saturday’s and Monday’s newspapers. It was believed Mr. Woodburn was stricken with a paralytic stroke. He did not regain his power of speech to relate any particulars. It was believed he was stricken Sunday or Monday.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the home of his sister, Mrs. Nellie Terry, 704 north Main street, in charge of Dr. J.P. Nesbit, pastor of the United Presbyterian church. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. cemetery. The body is at the sister’s home.

He is survived by: a brother, Harry Woodburn, east of Princeton; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Terry and Miss Mary Woodburn of this city; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Woodburn was born June 6, 1861 [sic], in Princeton, the son of Samuel and Sarah Connor Woodburn., and lived in this vicinity practically all of his life. He was engaged in the mercantile business in Princeton for a number of years lived on his farm.

The following is an article from the Princeton Daily Clarion, published 27 January, 1902:

Injured In Fall
William Woodburn Falls On Stairway Saturday Evening

While coming down the stairway that leads up to Justice J.A. Sprowl's office in Ward block, Saturday evening, William Woodburn slipped and fell and was painfully injured. His shoulder and face were severely bruised and he was rendered unconscious for a time. He was removed to the Baber hotal, where a physician was called to attened to hisinjuries. His condition is improved today.

James B. Woodburn

James B. Woodburn was the second son of Samuel & Sarah Connor Woodburn. He was born 14 May 1859 and died 20 February 1920, in Princeton, Gibson, Indiana.

The following is an article from the Clarion-News published the day after James passed, 21 February 1920:

Good Man Passes To His Reward
James Woodburn Dead After Illness At Methodist Hospital
Devoted His Life to Others – Funeral Services Will Be Held Monday

James Woodburn, well known and highly respected citizen of this city, died at 10:15 o’clock last night at the Methodist hospital after an illness of several weeks. He had been in the hospital about twenty days following a paralytic stroke. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o’clock Monday afternoon at the home, 403 east Oak street. It is probable that Rev. C.E. Flynn of the first M.E. church and Rev. Morris Watson of the U.P> church will conduct the services. Burial will take place at the Odd Fellows cemetery.

Mr. Woodburn was born in Princeton, May 14, 1859, and the entire 61 [sic] years of his life were spent in, or in the vicinity of, this city. James was actually 60 years old. February 8, 1894, he was united in marriage to Josephine Griffin, who survives. Two sisters, Mrs. F.M. Terry and Mary, of this city, and three brothers, Robert, of this city, William, living in the country, and Harry, living three miles southeast of the city, are also left to mourn the loss.

During all his days Mr. Woodburn lived unselfishly and in full measure may be said to have devoted his life to others. His relatives and friends speak of not one but many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness which they recall in cherishing the memory of a noble life.

Robert Woodburn

Robert Woodburn was the first born of Samuel and Sarah Connor Woodburn, 29 September, 1857. He died 28 October 1926, both events occurring in Princeton, Gibson, Indiana.

The following is an article from the Princeton Clarion the day after Robert’s death:

Robert Woodburn, 67, [sic] well known farmer of Gibson county, residing at 319 east State street, this city, died very suddenly shortly before noon Tuesday at his farm five miles east of the city, near the Patoka-Center township line. Robert was actually 69 years old.

Mr. Woodburn and his wife made their usual trip to the farm Tuesday morning and while Mrs. Woodburn was working on some steps at the front of their farm house, which has just been built since the tornado of March 1925, his wife noticed a peculiar look on his face. She immediately made inquiry of the trouble. Mr. Woodburn’s reply being that he felt sick. Mr. Woodburn was assisted into the house immediately by Mrs. Woodburn, and just as they entered Mr. Woodburn died.

An inquest was held by Coroner K..S. Strickland, and death was found to be paralysis of the heart. Mr. Woodburn had been in failing health for some time, but had been in his usual health here lately.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the home, 319east State street, conducted by the Rev. J.P. Nesbit of the United Presbyterian church. Internment in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.

Mr. Woodburn is survived by the widow, Belle Makemson Woodburn and six children, three sons and three daughters. Monroe residing on the traction line south of Mitchell crossing; Alvin at home; Frank of Evansville; Miss Ethel at home; Mrs. Omar Murphy residing southeast of the city, and Mrs. Russel McCafferty, Of Akron, O.; two sisters and two brothers, Miss Mary Woodburn and Mrs. Nellie Terry, in north Main street; William Woodburn, living west of Patoka, and Harry Woodburn living three miles east of Princeton. A number of grandchildren also survive.

The following is a funeral notice printed in the Clarion a few days later:

Funeral services for Robert Woodburn were held at the late residence, 319 east State street. Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in charge of the Rev. J.P. Nesbit, of the United Presbyterian church. Internment in the Odd Fellows cemetary.

Sarah Connor Woodburn

Sarah Connor was born 13 March 1833, in County Westmeath, Ireland, the daughter of Charles Connor and Catherine Fitzgerald (both born in Ireland). She was the seventh of nine children: Jane, James, Catherine, Thomas, Eleanor, Eliza, William and Mary Ann. The parents died within a week of one another in Dec 1841, and son Thomas and daughter Catherine made a voyage to America to make a new life for the family. They were followed in October 1844, by the rest of the siblings, concluding their voyage in Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana, before Christmas of that year.

Sarah met Samuel sometime in the mid-1850's. They were married by Rev. John W. Williamson, 25 November 1856, in Princeton. She was known as a seamstress of great talent, making all of her family's clothes, as well as many uniforms for the union war effort.

Her granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth (Woodburn) Mason relayed some information to the author via her father Harry’s stories. Sarah was extremely strict and very adamant about following the bible; so much so, that every Sunday, the family was not allowed to do anything. Anything! They would get up, get dressed and sit, all day, and do nothing out of reverence to keeping the Sabbath holy. They fasted all day until evening, when they would finally eat and go to bed. Elizabeth said, "She wouldn't let you so-much-as sew a button on a shirt on a Sunday."

The following is an article from the Princeton paper (nearly six days) after Sarah’s death. Today’s obituary section would be as big as the whole paper if they were written like this now:

The spirit of Mrs. Samuel Woodburn has been called by the angel of death and has left its earthly abode to dwell forever with the hosts of those who have gone before to the heavenly city. Death came at 8:45 o’clock Friday night after the deceased had lingered for several weeks battling with disease. She was as patient a sufferer as ever passed through the dark shadows of sickness and she bore her pain without murmuring against her fate. Death was welcomed as a relief from the pains of the body and the deceased was ready to enter that land where pain is unknown.

Mrs. Woodburn’s maiden name was Sarah Connor and she was born in Ireland 64 years ago. She was married to Samuel Woodburn a short time after coming to this country. To this union were born five sons and two daughters who, with the husband, survive. This is the first death to occur in this family and the loss of the wife and mother will be felt heavily. The sorrowing relatives have much sympathy in their bereavement. The funeral services were held at the family residence, corner of Seminary and Oak streets, at 10 o’clock Monday morning, internment following in Odd Fellows cemetery.

Samuel Woodburn - The Civil War

Samuel Woodburn fought as a Union soldier during the Civil War. He fought for many years, before the company was turned into a pontoon bridge-building regiment (see accompanying photograph). A detailed summery of Samuel’s Civil War regiment and duties are as follows:

History of the Indiana 58th Regiment of Volunteers

Rev. John J. Hight, chaplain of the regiment, kept a diary that totaled some 2000 pages. Col. Gil R. Stormont, then owner and editor of the Princeton Clarion and a member of the 58th, edited this diary. This edited version was published as a book of over 300 pages in 1895. Dr. Andrew Lewis, of Princeton, was asked by Gov. Oliver F. Morton in Sept. 1861 to recruit a regiment in the county. He did so, Dr. Lewis was offered the rank of Colonel, but declined and H. M. Carr, of Crawfordsville, who had been appointed Lt. Colonel, was made Colonel. The other officers: George P. Buell of Lawrenceburg, Lt. Colonel; James T. Embree of Princeton, Major; Dr. W. W. Blair of Princeton, surgeon (Later made medical director of General T. J. Woods division); Samuel Sterne, of Princeton, Quartermaster; Dr. J. R. Adams of Petersburg, assistant surgeon. The regiment at once went into training at the fair grounds in Princeton, and after weeks of drill was ordered Dec. 11 to prepare 3 days rations and be ready to go to Louisville. The men went by train to Evansville, marched down Main Street to the river and boarded the steamer Baltic for Louisville, and went into camp at nearby Bardstown. On Jan 14, 1862 the ladies of Gibson County represented by Mrs. Ophelia Hanks Mowry, Miss Artemesia Hanks and Miss Mollie Summers presented a stand of colors to Lt. Col. Buell and Maj. Embree. The 58th fought courageously in the principal battles of the war such as Shiloh, Chickamauga, Stones River, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Knoxville, Resaca, and Atlanta-March to the Sea. Throughout his diary Chaplain Hight wrote freely, caustically of military practices, events, men, especially the officers. Of Shiloh, one of the bloodiest battles of the war, he said: "Johnston (Confederate General) committed a great error when he attacked our Army on Sunday. One greater than Johnston or Grant has said" 'Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.' There certainly had been enough of disastrous Sabbath fighting to have taught him a lesson...Another error was filling the canteens of his soldiers with whiskey... The wild huzza of the drunken charge is soon stilled by the leaden hail delivered by sober men... The surprise of our men at Shiloh enabled the rebels to fight wildly and successfully all day, but when night came and the excitement and the whiskey were spent, the rebels went down in their feelings as far below a proper level as they had been above it during the day...Most of them sank down in drunken stupor where night overtook them."

Other details from various Civil War websites:
Organized at Princeton, and Indianapolis, IN, November 12 to December 22, 1861. Ordered to Kentucky December 29, and duty at Bardstown and Lebanon, Ky., till February, 1862. Attached to the 21st Brigade, Army of the Ohio, January, 1862. 21st Brigade, 6th Division, Army of the Ohio, to September, 1862. 15th Brigade, 6th Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Left Wing 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 21st Division, 21st Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to April, 1864. Unattached Pontooners, Army of the Cumberland and Army of Georgia, till July, 1865.

SERVICE.--March through Central Kentucky to Nashville, Tenn., February 10-March 1, 1862. March to Savannah, Tenn., March 18-April 6. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Pursuit to Boonesville May 31-June 12. Buell's Campaign in Northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee along line of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad June to August. Little Pond near McMinnville, August 30. March to Louisville, Ky., in pursuit of Bragg August 30-September 26. Pursuit of Bragg to Loudon, Ky., October 1-22. March to Nashville, Tenn., October 22-November 7, and duty there till December 26. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26-30. Lavergne December 26-27. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Duty at Murfreesboro till June. Middle Tennessee (or Tullahoma) Campaign June 23-July 7. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Passage of the Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign August 16- September 22. Expedition from Tracy City to the Tennessee River August 22-24 (Detachment). Occupation of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 9. Near Lee and Gordon's Mills September 17-18. Battle of Chickamauga September 19-20. Siege of Chattanooga September 24-November 23. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Orchard Knob November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Pursuit to Graysville November 26-27. March to relief of Knoxville, Tenn., November 28-December 8. Operations in Ease Tennessee till April, 1864. Re-enlisted January 24, 1864. Assigned to duty in charge of the Pontoon Trains of General Sherman's Army April, 1864, and performed all the bridging from Chattanooga to Atlanta, from Atlanta to the sea, and in the Campaign through the Carolinas. Atlanta Campaign May 1 to September 8, 1864. Demonstrations on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. About Dallas May 25-June 2. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Non-Veterans mustered out December 31, 1864. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June, and there mustered out July 25, 1865.
Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 60 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 192 Enlisted men by disease. Total 258.

Samuel Woodburn - 15 Miles On The Erie Canal

Samuel Woodburn worked for a time on the Erie Canal. As far as I know, he did not have a mule named Sal, nor did he work 15 years on the Erie Canal, as that old chestnut of a song says. Here is some history on that project taken from the Gibson County section of USGenWeb:

The Wabash & Erie Canals

When a stagecoach brought the news in 1834 that Evansville was to be the southern most end of the Wabash and Erie Canal, there was much excitement and speculation. The canal would through Gibson County connecting the Ohio River with Lake Erie and it promised to establish Southwest Indiana as a great commercial trading center.

People rushed to this area for jobs or to purchase public land at $1.25 an acre. Others borrowed money to finance businesses and inflated get-rich schemes. The canal would not turn out as promised, and it would take many years, many fortunes and many lives before the outcome was known. Digging began in 1836. It was a slow, cumbersome process. A publication entitled "History of Gibson County" described the work of the canal gangs. "The embankments were made by hauling the dirt in one-horse carts . . .. The work was so timed that the loaded carts were ready to pull out as soon as an empty one was ready to be loaded. "The shovelers were nearly all Irish; there were few Americans . . .. About a half gill (two ounces) of raw whiskey was given the men four times daily . . ." "Men working on the canal had little respect for rules of sanitation. Such living conditions subjected them to many diseases, the most dreaded of which was cholera. It is estimated that not less than 1,000 people died of cholera along the canal from Patoka to Pigeon Summits during the summer of 1850. A person, when once stricken with this deadly disease, would succumb within three or four hours."

Work on the canal stopped in 1837 when financial failures paralyzed cities and banks across the nation. Indiana went bankrupt, property and investments were lost, and the value of real estate hit a devastating low. The canal went untouched for several years, but digging finally resumed and the 450-mile waterway was completed in 1853. The canal crossed the Patoka River into Gibson County on an aqueduct at the old town of Dengola, and followed, the lowlands of the Patoka River to Francisco, thence southwest through the highlands of the Pigeon Summit that divides the watershed between the Patoka river and the Pigeon creek country. At Port Gibson, a town located on the canal in Gibson County, a reservoir was located, which flooded as much as two thousand acres from five to twenty feet deep. This was the greatest fishing resort that was ever in Gibson County, as it was well stocked with fine lake fish. After the canal was abandoned the water was let out of the reservoir, and today some of the best farms in Gibson County are situated on these famous fishing grounds. The canal followed the lowlands of Pigeon creek until it passed into Warrick County, and thence to Evansville.

Its passages entered Evansville from the northeast on Canal Street, and then moved along Fifth Street to a basin where the Old Courthouse now stands. Loading docks were built on either side of the basin. With much grandeur, the first boat - The Pennsylvania - arrived in Evansville from Toledo in September 1853. But already the Wabash and Erie Canal was obsolete and structurally defective. Muskrats dug holes that allowed water to leak. Heavy rains caused erosion, flooding and landslides. The water froze in the winter. In the summer, teams of oxen often had to drag boats, their frames scraping bottom, when water levels dwindled from ongoing drought. What's more, tolls for use of the canal were not paying expenses. But the greatest blow to the fate of the canal was the construction and commercial success of the country's railroad system. Trains were cheaper, faster and more reliable. By the late 1860s the Wabash and Erie Canal was abandoned for good. Only two boats ever completed the entire voyage from Toledo to Evansville. The southern portion of the canal was quickly filled in and eventually forgotten. Some remains still can be seen running along the Southern Railroad tracks next to Wesselman Park.

Today, the canal is remembered as a dismal financial failure, but also as a government project that brought many people - and many new skills and trades - to the Ohio Valley. The events of the Wabash and Erie Canal kicked off a new era of growth for Southwest Indiana.

William Woodburn

William Woodburn was the younger brother of Samuel Woodburn, born in June 1834. Like his brother, William sailed for America, landing in New York sometime around 1871 or 1872.

The family moved to Ontario, Canada. He was accompanied by his family: Wife, Mary Montgomery Woodburn; daughter Margaret (1855) ; sons Robert (1859), William (1861), Charles M. (1862), David (1865), James (1868), and Samuel (1871). After settling in Canada, daughters Elizabeth (1873) and Mary were born (1876).

The mother passed sometime between 1876 and 1881. By 1895, the family moved to Niagara County, New York, making Lockport their new home. William died between 1914 and 1920, as he was living when mentioned in Samuel's biography in Gil Stormont's The History of Gibson, County, Indiana in 1914 and absent from the 1920 Niagara County census.

Samuel Woodburn - 1826-1915

This is Samuel Woodburn, my great-great-grandfather.

The following is a biographical entry printed in The History of Gibson County, Indiana (1914), by Gil R. Stormont, pp. 485–487:

Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Gibson county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, one of the foreign-born citizens of our commonwealth to whose industry and right principles of life the early development of our county and state is largely indebted for its high moral status. Samuel Woodburn is a native of county Antrim, Ireland, where he first saw the light of day on July 20, 1826, the son of Robert and Margaret (Wasson) Woodburn, both natives of the same county. The father was a farmer, and the parents spent their entire lives on their native sod. There were three children in the family, namely: Margaret, deceased; Samuel, subject of this sketch, and William, a farmer residing near Lockport, New York.

Samuel Woodburn received his education in the common schools of Ireland and early took up the work of a farmer. This vocation he followed until in 1847, when he set sail for America, being eleven weeks in crossing the Atlantic. His boat docked at New Orleans and from there he journeyed by boat up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Evansville, Indiana, and from thence to Princeton. His long journey was made in company with friends. His earliest employment here was during the construction of the Erie canal, in which he was employed for a time. He later became apprentice to the carpenter's trade, in which he became quite proficient and until he joined the army he worked steadily at this trade. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton. He was first sent to Louisville and Bardstown, Kentucky, and saw much, active service during his enlistment. He was in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Murfreesboro, Stone River, Chattanooga, Duvalls Station, and other engagements and skirmishes. He was with the Army of the Cumberland. He had many close calls from death during the engagements in which he participated, but came through free from injury. He saw three years of service and. received his discharge in July, 1865. After his discharge from the army he returned to Princeton and again took up his work as a carpenter, at which he continued until he retired.

On November 20, 1856, Mr. Woodburn was united in marriage to Sarah Connor, who was born in Ireland, March 13, 1833. She was a daughter of Thomas Connor, who had emigrated to America and had settled in Vanderburgh County, Indiana [between 1842 and 1844]. To their union were born seven children: Robert, born September 29, 1857, a farmer of Center township, this county, married Belle Makemson. To them have been born six children, Munroe, Ethel, Hettie, Helen, Alva and Frank. The second child is James B., born May 19, 1859, a farmer who resides in Princeton and who married Josie Griffin. William, born July 6, 1861, is a farmer in White River township, this county; Mary J., who has always resided at home; Frank died July 30, 1867 [sic]; Henry, who resides in Evansville, married Dora Magerkurth and they have three children, Charles and Dorothy (twins) and Sarah E. The seventh child of Mr. Woodburn is Nellie, wife of Frank M. Terry, a traveling salesman of Princeton. Mrs. Woodburn's death occurred August 26, 1893 [sic]. Frank was born 2 Jul 1867and died 2 Apr 1899. Sarah died 26 Aug 1897.

Mr. Woodburn's religious sympathies are with the United Presbyterian church, to which he gives liberally of his time and means. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 28, of Princeton. Mr. Woodburn is a hale old gentleman, a man of wonderfully rugged constitution which has served him well during the many years of hard work he has put in, and he is a man well known in the county. He has made many friends both through his business connections and by reason of his genial personality and universal good nature. He is accounted among the most worthy citizens of Gibson county, one who has always had the best good of the community at heart.

http://www.rootsquest.com/~jmurphy/gibson/stormont.htm

The following is an article from The Princeton Democrat regarding the life of Samuel the day after his passing, 29 January 1915:

In His 89th Year Samuel Woodburn Is Called To His Reward
The End Came Thursday Night – Was One of Princeton’s Oldest Citizens – Funeral Saturday

Samuel Woodburn, Princeton’s oldest citizen, died Thursday night at 9:45 o’clock at his home, 704 north Main street, after a brief illness with heart ailment. Though feebler in the last few months, Mr. Woodburn had been in his usual health and up and around until two or three days ago, when he suffered a serious attack. However, he was believed to be improving. Thursday he grew worse and it was realized the end was near. Mr. Woodburn was in his 89th year [sic]. 88 years old.

The funeral will be held at the family residence Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Morris Watson, of the United Presbyterian church, and internment will be at Odd Fellows cemetery. The Archer post will attend the services in a body. [Archer was Princeton’s branch of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War organization similar to today’s VFW.]

Samuel Woodburn was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 20, 1826, the son of Robert and Margaret Woodburn, and there his youth was spent on his father’s farm. In 1847 he sailed to America. The vessel was eleven weeks in making the crossing. Finally landing at New Orleans, he made his way to Princeton and for a while was employed on the construction of the Erie canal through this country. Later he took up the carpenter’s trade, which he followed until his retirement from active life.

In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Co. D, 58th Indiana regiment, and served three years, until July 1865. He was known as one of the bravest men of his company and served in some of the heaviest engagements of the was. He was a member of the Archer Post, G.A.R., and was never happier than when with his old comrades recounting the stirring days of the war. His remarkable good memory enabled him to give most graphic descriptions of some of the scenes then enacted.

On November 20, 1956, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Conner, a native of Ireland and to them were born seven children, all of whom survive except one, Frank who passed away in 1899. The wife and mother was called home August 27, 1897. Robert, James B., William, Harry, Miss Mary J. Woodburn and Mrs. F.M. Terry, all of this city and vicinity, are the surviving children.

Mr. Woodburn was one of Princeton’s most esteemed men. His cheery disposition, his friendly word for everyone, made him loved by all who knew him, and not alone in the family circle, but among the comrades and friends everywhere the lack of his kindly presence will be deeply felt.

Welcome To The Woodburn Genealogy Site!

Welcome to the Woodburn Genealogy Site!

My goal is to provide a forum for family members or possible relatives, to look at, read and contribute to their family history.

I also hope that this will be a place, for anyone interested, to enjoy their heritage, just pass the time or steal the information out-right for a fifth-grade project due in the morning.

I need as many stories as possible to fill this page and the book I hope to make, so please comment on anything. Be heard! Add to it! Contribute here! Speak! Well, type, anyway.

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Origins of the Woodburn Name:

The Scottish surname Woodburn is of local origin, that is, derived from a particular geographical feature, either natural or man made, near which the original bearer once lived of held land. In this instance, the name is derived from the Old English “wudu” meaning “wood, forest,” and “burna” meaning “stream”. Thus, the name indicates “one who dwelled at the woodland stream”.

In Scotland, this surname is of toponymic origin, denoting “one who came from Woodburn”, the name of places in Ayrshire, Midlothian and Kincardineshire. Variants of the name include Woodburne, Woodbourne and Woodborne.

The Woodburn name is of Scottish origin, but, as is presently known, the family originates from Ireland, specifically County Antrim. Antrim means “solitary farm” and is in the province of Ulster. Once known as Dalriada, it is located in the extreme northeast of Ireland The Scottish surname Woodburn is of local origin, that is, derived from a particular geographical feature, either natural or man made, near which the original bearer once lived of held land. In this instance, the name is derived from the Old English “wudu” meaning “wood, forest,” and “burna” meaning “stream”. Thus, the name indicates “one who dwelled at the woodland stream”.

In Scotland, this surname is of toponymic origin, denoting “one who came from Woodburn”, the name of places in Ayrshire, Midlothian and Kincardineshire. Variants of the name include Woodburne, Woodbourne and Woodborne.

The Woodburn name is of Scottish origin, but, as is presently known, the family originates from Ireland, specifically County Antrim. Antrim means “solitary farm” and is in the province of Ulster. Once known as Dalriada, it is located in the extreme northeast of Ireland.

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Robert Woodburn was born sometime around 1800 in County Antrim. He married Margaret Wason/Wasson and they had three children: Margaret; Samuel, my great, great-grandfather; and William. They lived thier whole lives in Ireland, as did their daughter, however, their sons moved to America. Little is known about these ancestors at this time.