Final Durham Saga – #4 Jesse Younce Durham

Nine children were born to Jesse Younce (also found as Youce) Durham, today’s feature and his wife, Martha Tarkington (haven’t checked it out but she is supposed to be a 1st cousin of the famous Booth Tarkington). Jesse Younce was born in Mercer Co KY 25 Nov 1820 (son of John J and Celia Bonham) died in Waveland 26 Aug 1907 and Martha born 29 April 1829 died 1 Jan 1892. Although most of the other Durhams were here in the 1830s these two were married in Boyle Co KY 31 Aug 1843 and were here in 1850.

John Lawson Durham their first son was born in Boyle County, KY 26 Oct 1844 married Mary Mann in Sullivan County, Indiana 5 Oct 1881 and passed away 13 June 1921. This fellow farmed for a few years, had “an academic education” then studied with Dr. A.T. Steele at Waveland for a couple of years, graduating from the medical department at the U of Louisville. They moved to Graysville, Indiana where he had a good practice and also farmed 305 acres where he grazed his stock for market. Odd Fellow, Mason and Presbyterian (obit). Children: Martha, James and Thomas Mann (one of his daughters lived to be almost 105, another 99). John and Mary passed away within a few days of each other and are buried at Graysville.

George Tarkington Durham (10 Aug 1846 Boyle KY died 23 Jan 1924 Crawfordsville) married Betty Elliot North (5 Dec 1856 Brook Station, Ky died 12 Sept 1935 in Waveland) – they are buried in Oak Hill. Parents of two sons (Roscoe Conklin and Henry North) and three daughters (Betty died age 1), Julia Belle and Rosalie Tarkington. George went to the country schools around Waveland then went to the Waveland Academy. He lived most of his life as a farmer and raised stock in Parke County where he served as Howard Township Trustee. He was a Mason and Democrat. Three of their children married into local families (Fullenwider, Elmore, Davis).

Governor Crittenden Durham (12 April 1848 KY) went by his middle name but several also called him “Gov”. In Waveland’s local barber, Hiram Pratt’s diary on November 15th, 1911 he wrote “Report came in about 7 o’clock this evening that Gov Durham was dead. I was surprised very much. He was in my shop yesterday and was shaved by me last Monday. He said he was not well, had vomited several times last night. He made his way to his brother George’s and died.” Gov was educated at the Waveland Academy as well. “He was a most kind and devoted son and brother and had a good word of cheer and kindly greeting for all with whom he came in contact.” (obit). As were many Durhams, he was a strong Methodist and a Mason (32nd degree and member of Scottish Rite). He was never married but had many friends and was close to his nieces and nephews.

Julia Frances Durham was born (7 May 1850) either in Kentucky right before their move or just as they got here. At age 18, she married Franklin North Johnson who at the time of Julia’s death (not quite 30) was county treasurer and later a banker for years. County officials were Julia’s pallbearers. She left her beloved husband and two sons Henry Franklin and John Amos ages 11 and 4. Buried Waveland Methodist Cemetery.

Their son, Cornelius died in infancy and their next child (Laura Bell) I know little about (born 12 Nov 1855 died May 1939 Danville, Ky) other than she married William Mitchell Rue, a horse trainer, who died young in 1896. When she passed away, her pall bearers were nephews and the minister was the

president of Caldwell College for Girls “with which Mrs. Rue was connected for a number of years.” (obit).

Joseph Pinkney Durham, born on the farm 22 April 1859, died in Indianapolis 6 Jan 1915. He married Martha Watson “Mattie” in 1884. They are buried at Crown Hill. He attended Wabash but graduated from a commercial school after which he became an expert accountant. In Indy, he was bookkeeper for the Daniel Stewart Drug Company (obit). An active worker in the Presbyterian Church, he served as treasurer of the Indiana Synod. The Durhams were parents of four sons: Raymond Watson; Joseph; Leland VanMeter and Milton Webster. Raymond was in the window shade business in Indianapolis and died at age 44 after a lengthy illness. Joseph aided his brother in his business for some time, was a janitor and other jobs. Leland also helped his brother in the Shade business and worked on the railroad. Milton was briefly married, was in the AF during WWII and passed away in Santa Clara, California the next March.

Sixth son, Joshua Bell, “Judge” was born 19 May 1860 (died 26 June 1932) on the Durham place. He married Sittie Ellis who died about 7 years afterwards as did one child. Nellie Manning was his second wife. They had three children: Laura Elizabeth, Marion Younce and Lelia Belle. Judge farmed, was in the horse business, managed a stock farm and was a member of the Methodist Church in Waveland, K of P and F&AM. He was noted in his obit for his “loyalty, friendliness, immaculate cleanliness, rugged honesty, optimistic spirit, and hearty laugh.”

Their last was William Younce Durham born October 1863 died in Aug 1957 age 93. Bill married Mary Annabell McMurtry on Christmas day in 1889 and they had three sons, Rue Belle, Frank A and William Harold “Younce.” Bill lived in Waveland most of his life and bought and sold horses and mules, many envying his; however Norman Dillman said: “He did succumb to modern ways though as in later life, he had a Blue Whippett Coupe!” Rue worked for many years with the Brandywine Detective Agency (Elkton, MD), Frank was a Doctor (Louisville) and Harold, a salesman for a factory in Dallas, Texas.

Jesse Younce was a Methodist, Democrat, Mason and served in the State Legislature in 1872. He and Martha are buried at Maple Ridge cemetery near Waveland. Thanks muches to Sue P for the photo (FindAGrave). Thus, you have just perused the conclusion of the Durham Saga. Hope ya’ enjoyed!!!

Karen Zach is the editor of Montgomery Memories, our monthly magazine all about Montgomery County. Her column, Around the County, appears each Thursday in The Paper of Montgomery County. You can reach her at [email protected].