Cornelius D. Vannuys, retired farmer, was born in Shelby County, Ky., October 18, 1824, son of Tunis and Catherine Vannuys. Our subject was a student at the country schools of Kentucky, and at the age of twelve years came with his parents to Johnson County, and here attended a private school at Franklin, and subsequently spent some time at Hanover College. In the spring of 1845, he began farming for himself, settling on a farm in Union Township, where he remained until the winter of 1848, when he removed to a farm just south of Hopewell, and in the fall of 1878, removed to his present residence at Hopewell. As a farmer he was very successful, and by industry and good management has secured a good farm, and a comfortable home. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers, and was honorably discharged in September, 1864. The marriage of Mr. Vannuys, occurred March 18, 1845 [sic-see Note], to Miss Jane Ditmars, born in New Jersey, December 5, 1819, daughter of Garrett and Sarah (Verbryke) Ditmars. They have had four children, one of whom is yet living; Chauncy L.,born April 10, 1852. Those deceased were: Electa J., Sarah B., and Cornelius. Chauncy L. was married October 3, 1877, to Miss Anna Powers, who died May 25, 1884, leaving two children: Nina A., born 1878, and Rosco G., born 1882. Mr. Vannuys was formerly a whig, and since the birth of the republican party, has been one of its most ardent supporters. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1839, and his wife became a member of the same church in 1840. He is a thorough-going, industrious and liberal supporter of all laudable public enterprises.

Note: Judge Banta gives Cornelius Vannuys and Jane Ditmar’s marriage date as 18 Mar 1845, but the Indiana State Library Genealogy Database: Marriages through 1850 gives it as 13 Apr 1840.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 666.