Transcript:Indiana, United States. Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties/B/Bundrant, Charles H.

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Charles H. Bundrant (p 550)

A prominent farmer of Connersville Township, Fayette County, Indiana, Mr. Bundrant is the representative of one of Fayette County's earliest pioneer families, and was formerly closely identified with the business interests of Connersville. He began life as a poor lad, with no one upon whom to depend in the struggle for existence, and by patient industry and untiring perseverance, he has succeeded in laying up a competency that will enable him and his estimable wife to spend the evening of their life in comfort and plenty. He is a son of Thomas Bundrant and was born in the state of Virginia, March 12, 1822. Thomas Bundrant was born in Bedford County, Virginia, as were several generations of the family, the place of his birth being a farm located a few miles north of Lynchburg. His father was John Bundrant, of French descent, and tradition has it that the name was originally Bondurant, but was simplified after the family was transplanted to these shores, becoming Bundrant. Thomas Bundrant grew to manhood in his native state and took up arms against England in our second struggle with that nation, in 1812. He was stationed in Virginia, and when the redcoats threatened New Orleans, during the latter part of 1814, his command was ordered to the defense of that city. However, the battle of New Orleans occurred on January 8, 1815, before they reached there, and the American forces under General Jackson achieved such a victory that the reinforcement was not required, and the command returned to Virginia. He married Miss Susan Locket and in 1830, he brought his family to Indiana, locating in Jackson Township, Fayette County. His death occurred soon after moving here, in May 1835, when he was about sixty years old, and the loving wife joined him in the better world after a separation of but four months. He was a resident of this county but a few years, and his death took place many years ago, yet the older residents well recall him as a good, true man. He believed in the Jackson school of Democracy. A large family of children were born to them, five sons and nine daughters, only three of whom are living at this time, namely: Charles H., our subject; Mrs. Francis Williams; and Mrs. Adaline Jordon.

Charles H. Bundrant was but eight years of age when his parents came to this county and had not yet reached his 'teens when he was deprived of their love and counsel. The family being a large one, the children became widely separated, our subject being bound out to William Brown, to learn the trade of a tanner. Mr. Brown at that time resided upon his farm, in Jackson Township, which was sold soon afterward, when he purchased a tannery in Connersville, which was then but a small burg. Charles Bundrant served an apprenticeship of six years with Mr. Brown, and then entered the employ of Hall & Conwell, tanners, with whom he remained about three years. At the expiration of that time, he purchased an interest in the business of Mr. Brown, and a new tannery was erected by them on the canal, on the site now occupied by the mill. This partnership was successful, and was continued eleven years, being dissolved by the death of Mr. Brown, in 1856. Mr. Bundrant then settled up the business and retired to the farm on which he now resides, on March 2, 1857.

He became a benedict on May 13, 1852, when he was joined to Miss Jane Branson, daughter of William Branson. But one child, a son, Edward L., has blessed this union. He was born August 3, 1855, and has made them the proud grandparents of four children: Viola, wife of Wheeler C. Davis; Ethel; Daniel W.; and Eva Maud. They are also the great-grandparents of a little lady, Amy Elizabeth Davis, who is so fortunate as to have four great-grandparents living. Mr. Bundrant has spent the greater part of his life in Connersville, and no man stands higher in the respect and esteem of the general public than does he. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1841, his wife uniting a few years afterward. He is now a Republican, having formerly been a Whig, and having cast his first presidential vote for that grand statesman, Henry Clay. He has a vivid recollection of the pioneer life, the customs of those days and the privations and suffering often endured. He also recalls many amusing incidents, and it is a privilege to hear his reminiscences of those early times.

William Branson, the father of Mrs. Bundrant, was born in Stafford County, Virginia, in 1792. His father, Isaac Branson, was a soldier in the Revolution. He moved to Belmont County, Ohio, where the rest of his life was spent, when William was about seventeen years old. There William settled in Henry County, where he passed the greater part of the remainder of his life. His death occurred October 17, 1874, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bundrant, and his wife died December 30, 1882, in Henry County, at the home of one of her sons. She had almost reached her ninetieth birthday. Twelve children were born to them, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom reached mature years and all of whom, except the youngest, were born in Ohio. Four sons and three daughters are living, the family being represented in this county by Mrs. Bundrant, who was born in Belmont County, Ohio, December 15, 1826.