Taken from Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN

BENTON C. BURKETT

 One of the highly honored and successful farmers of the 
past generation in Putnam county whose name should be 
perpetuated in his country's history was Benton C. BURKETT, 
who was born in 1822 in Russell township, in the 
pioneer days, and he lived to see and take part in the 
great subsequent development of this county. He was the 
son of Abram and Catherine (HIRE) BURKETT, who came from 
North Carolina very early. They lived to advanced ages. 
Benton C. BURKETT grew up in much the same manner as other 
children of first settlers, learning what hard work meant 
when but a small boy, and being compelled to forego the 
advantages of higher learning. When he reached maturity 
he married Rebecca NUTGRASS, daughter of Harrison and Nancy 
(JOHNSON) NUTGRASS, of Clinton township, her parents 
being from Kentucky. 
Rebecca was born in 1830 and she was four years of age when 
her parents settled in the vicinity. 
Benton C. BURKETT first located in Russell township, and 
began clearing land and developing a farm, adding to his 
first holdings until he owned about twelve hundred acres of 
valuable land and was regarded as one of the leading 
farmers and substantial citizens of this part of the 
county in his day and generation. All of his land was in 
Russell township and was so managed as to yield him a very 
satisfactory income from year to year. 
He also dealt extensively in livestock and was successful in 
whatever he undertook. He had the confidence of all his neighbors, 
which he never betrayed, for he was upright in all his relations 
with his fellow men. 
The death of this well remembered and influential citizen occurred on 
August 11, 1879, at the age of fifty-seven years, six months and 
fifteen days. 
Mrs. BURKETT died on August 2, 1894, at the age of sixty-four 
years, three months and one day. they are buried at the old 
Blakesburg cemetery. They were 
members of the Dunkard church at Ladoga, twelve miles 
distant; they also attended the Little Walnut church, about seven and one-
half miles distant. The congregation held services frequently at 
the old Universalist church at 
Blakesburg. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Benton C. BURKETT eleven children were born, all living 
in this writing, named as follows: 
Nancy C., commonly known as "Nan," married Joseph A. THOMAS, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere; Rudy H., of Greencastle; 
Sarah E. married Milt BOWERS, of Franklin township; 
Rachael M. married Sanford BALES, of Russell Township; 
Mary Jane is the widow of Henry CRODIAN 
and lives on a part of her father's land; Sophia A. married Walter GOSLING, 
of Franklin township; 
F. Marion lives on a part of his fathers estate; 
Dulcina D. married James SKILLMAN, of Franklin township; 
Susan Edna married William OBENCHAINS and lives on the old homestead;
 Effie B. married Charles SHANNON and lives on part of her father's estate; 
Ida Olivia married Harvey GARDNER, of Roachdale. 
They all live in Putnam county, as do also all the 
Thomas children.