Washburn - John M.
Source: Beckwith, H. W. History of Fountain County, Indiana. Chicago: Hill, 1881, p. 456 - 457
John M. Washburn, farmer,
Attica, youngest child of Joseph and Elizabeth (Mann) Washburn, was born
in Brown county, Ohio, March 21, 1807. In 1826 he removed with his
father's family to Montgomery County, this state, and settled eight
miles west of Crawfordsville. He lived there most of the time till
1849, when he came to Davis township, and made his home near where he
now lives. Before he came he had followed milling seven years, and has
been in the business altogether ten years. With the exception he has
always been engaged in farming.
He was married June 15, 1826, to
Catherine Drake, of Brown county, Ohio. She was born September 4, 1807.
They have had ten children: Christopher (deceased), Cornelius
(deceased), Elmer (married Melinda Stanley), Enoch (deceased), Joseph
(deceased), William (married Emily Newlin, who died July 5, 1878),
Rachel (wife of J. F. Carter), Elizabeth J. (wife of Rev.C. J. Bolles
Jr.), John (died in infancy), and Albertine (deceased).
Mr. Washburn has
been a professor of religion since 1854. He was converted under the
labors of the Rev. Samuel Gregory, and united with the New Light
denomination. When the society dissolved in time of the war he united
with the Baptist church at Newtown. Mrs. Washburn made a profession at
the same time that he did, and has belonged to the same churches. Mr.
Washburn has filled the offices of clerk, deacon and treasurer with
faithful zeal in both denominations. He and his wife are prominent
members of the Salem Baptist church, and he is one of the trustees. Mr.
Washburn has been a life-long democrat, and cast his first vote for
Andrew Jackson for president, in 1828. He is one of the most influential
and respected men of his township.