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 form 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.