John Paskins, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born in Brown County, that state, on the 23rd of July, 1823. His parents were Thomas and Delilah (Samples) Paskins, the father a native of England, and the mother of Brown County, Ohio. They were married in that state, and afterward immigrated to Indiana, settling in Johnson County, the subject at the time, being a small boy. Thomas Paskins was a blacksmith by trade. He accumulated a comfortable fortune, and died a number of years ago, at the age of sixty-six. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying at the age of thirty-eight years. John Paskins grew to manhood in Johnson County, and was reared a farmer, but later worked at the blacksmith trade for some years in the town of Williamsburg. He served in the Mexican War through its continuance, and in one of its engagements, received a severe wound in the ankle, the effect of which was to disable him from active labor. March 27, 1848, Miss Anna Fraker became his wife. She was born July 25, 1823, in Wilmington, Del., and is a daughter. of Joseph Fraker, who came to the United States many years ago, from Switzerland. The maiden name of Mrs. Paskins’ mother was Frances Gass. Mr. and Mrs. Paskins had a family of eight children: Mary Ann, Harrison, Jennie, Ella S., Francis, William J. (deceased), John T. and Joseph P., all of whom were born in this county. In August, 1871, Mr. Paskins made a trip to England, to look after an estate left him by entailment, and while there, met with his death under very mysterious circumstances. The supposition is that he was murdered for his money, as he was known to have a considerable sum in his possession at the time. His death occurred on the 9th day of January, 1872, and he was buried in Halifax, England. His widow resides in Hensley Township, and is a well-preserved woman for her years. She owns a good farm of 185 acres, and manages the same.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 712.