The Living of It

John Burns and Malinda Ferguson

of Pickaway Township, Pickaway County, Ohio

and Big Creek Township, White County Indiana

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In 1826, John Burns married Malinda Ferguson. They had six children, William Burns, Thomas Allen Burns, Malinda Burns

 

In 1830, they came to White County, Indiana. He became one of the county's original settlers in Big Creek Township.

 

On November 2, 1830, John purchased his first farmland and quickly secured 80 acres of prime rich farmland.

 

The Burns couple lived in a rude log cabin with a dirt floor.

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History records, "They prospered in amassing both property and a large family." Prior to his death,

John owned 1,200 acres of land and was one of White county's largest landowners.

 

He was widely known for breeding cattle, hogs, and horses.

 

His children were among the early settlers' children who attended White County's first schoolhouse, built on the banks of Big Creek.
 

Source of info: The Old Monticello Cemetery, by W.C. Madden and Janet Ollman Dold