Individual Details

Benjamin served in Company G, 57th Infantry Regt of Indiana as a Private, enlisting 18 Nov 1861 and mustered out as a Corporal on 21 Jun 1865. The regimental history of the unit is lengthy - they took part in many of the battles including Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, and Franklin, TN. From his obituary, I discovered that he was on the Sultana when the boilers exploded near Memphis. He was actually reported as having died in the explosion.

Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992, a database on MyHeritage, has a marriage date of 27 Nov 1866 - perhaps that was the date of the bond. Location is Waverly, Bremer Co.

B. F. Leaner and wife Mary E. were in Howard Twp of Howard Co IN in 1870. He was age 27, a Farmer, born in Indiana. Mary E. was age 22, Keeping house. Ulysses & Levi were the only children. Rachel Adamson, Mary's mother, along with three of her siblings, also lived in the household.

It's quite likely that the Barnhild Learner living next door in 1870 was Benjamin's father. He was age 62, born in Baden, Germany, his parents of foreign birth. His wife was Phoeba, age 61, born Ohio. John W. age 21, born IN, is probably the John Wesley Lerner that married Hettie Adamson, Mary's younger sister.

July 1863 Civil War Draft Registrations Records, Indiana, 11th Congressional District
Howard Co: Benjamin F. Learner, age 21, Farmer, b. Indiana

Benjamin Learner is on a list of Survivors of the Sultana found at
He waa a Corporal, Co. G, 57th Indiana Infantry. Severely Scalded.

Civil War Pension.
Soldier: Benjamin F. Learner
Widow: Mary E. Learner
Served in Bo. G, 47th Indiana Infantry
1870, Oct 17. Soldier filed as invalid. Application 160.943; Certificate 111.872
1925, Feb 16. Widow filed from Indiana, Application 1229.539. Certificale 959.634

In 1880, Benjamin & Mary still lived next door to Barnhart & Phoebe Learner. B. F. was age 38, b. IN. Mary was 32. Ulysses age 12, Leveritt age 10, Ernest age 6, Pearl age 4. James Cook age 21, was living with the family doing Farm Labor.

1900 Census. Howard Twp, Howard Co IN, Dist 66, Hh 48
Benjamin Learner, b. May 1842, age 58, married 34 years, b. IN, father b. Germany, mother b. Pennsylvania
Mary E., b. Jan 1848, age 52. Had 9 children, 8 are living. Mary b. IN, father b. Ohio, mother b.Pennsylvania [places of birth of her parents are incorrect]
Barnhart, father, b. May 1808, age 92, widowed, b. Germany as were his parents, Naturalized in 1833; has been a citizen 67 years.
Ulysses A., son, b. Oct 1867, age 32, married 9 years.
Pearl H., son, b. Apr 1876, age 24, born in Iowa, although other children listed as born in Indiana
Ellis M., son, b. Sept 1883, age 16
Harry W., son, b. Jan 1886, age 14
Donald H., son, b. Sept 1891, age 8
Ruth T., dau, b. Jan 1897, age 3
Adamson, Andrew Fredrick, bro-in-law, b. Jul 1856, age 43

1910 Census. Center Twp, Howard Co IN, Dist 118, Hh 209
Benjamin F. Learner, age 67, married 1 time for 44 years, b. IN, father b. Germany, mother b. Pennsylvania
Mary E., wife, age 52, 9 children, 8 living, b. IN, father b. NC, mother b. Ohio
Donald H., son, age 18. Ruth T., dau, age 13.
Adamson, Fredrick, brother-in-law, age 56, retired
Brooks, William, hired man, age 18, b. TN

1920 Census. Center Twp, Howard Co IN, Hh 13 [very difficult to read; indexed wrong]
B. T. Lerner, age 77, b. IN, father b. Germany, mother b. Pennsylvania.
Mary E., wife, age 72, b. IN, father b. Ohio, mother b. NC
Ellis M. son, age 37
Fern, dau-in-law, age 34, b. Kansas
Ellis M. son, age 6 [obviously son of Ellis & Fern]
Carl, son, age 4

Kokomo Daily Tribune, Saturday, 31 Jan 1925, p.1, column 1
B. F. Leaner Passes Away at Age of 82
One of County's Worthiest Citizens and Most Interesting Characters
Was Born Here in 1842
Knew the Indians of That Period - Was Survivor of Sultana Disaster
Benjamin F. Leaner, age 82, years, a native of Howard County and resident here most of his life, a Civil war veteran and one of the few survivors of the wreck of the Sultana, the greatest steamboat disaster of the Civil War period, died at his home, a mile east of Kokomo, on the north Greentown Pike, at 11 o-clock today, of septic poisoning.
An injury received by Mr. Learner in the explosion which destroyed the Sultana and snuffed out the lives of several hundred men, was really the cause of his death. He was frightfully burned on one of his legs in that explosion. The hurt was one which never healed; though he lived nearly sixty years after receiving it. Always it was threatening him, and finally brought on the condition which resulted in his death.
Mr. Learner had been failing for several months, and had kept to his home since the beginning of winter. He was able, however, to be about until a week ago last Tuesday. On that day he was unable to arise. It was the beginning of the final issue. He failed slowly, but steadily, from that time on. His vitality was remarkable. His death had been expected for several days, but he withstood the destroyer's encroachment with the same tenacious courage that he had met every experience in his long life. He had no fear of going, but it was like him not to die until he had to.
The death of this man removes from the community not only one of its most worthy citizens, but one of it most interesting historical figures. Benjamin F. Learner's life spanned all the years in Howard County between the days of the Indians and the cabin in the clearing and the days of the airplane and the radio. He was born in Howard County, on May 29, 1842, in Harrison township, in what was familiarly known as the Seven Mile Strip of the Miami Indian reserve at a point five miles southwest of Kokomo. His birth was two years before Howard County was organized, and from the time memory awoke in him down to the day of his death he knew Howard County history from actual participation in it.
Mr. Learner was the son of Bernhart and Catrina Learner, who came to the Wildcat Valley, settling in what later became Harrison Township in 1841. That was three years before Kokomo was founded. The father was a native of Germany, of the state of Baden, and his boyhood was spent near the Rhine. He died at his home five miles eat of Kokomo 23 years ago. All older residents of the city and county remember him well, as a man of the sturdiest of virtues and finest type of citizenship. He was one of Howard County's first shoemakers.
When B. F. Learner was a small child he moved with his parents to the Vermont neighborhood where he grew to manhood. A tribe of Indians had their village near the Learner home, and as a boy Mr. Learner knew them all, bucks, squaws and papooses, well. They were friendly Indians and furnished him with many an interesting memory that remained with him to the end of life. He had a distinct recollection of the removal of the tribes by the Federal government to lands that had been provided for them beyond the Mississippi, and was able to recall many incidents of the visit which the chief and all his followers paid to the Learner home just before departing. Some of these incidents were related by Mr. Learner at the celebration that was held last May, in the Union Street Friends' Church, by the Howard County Historical Society, in celebration of the eighteenth anniversary of the founding of the county.
Mr. Leaner was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Emily Adamson, a member of a pioneer family of Taylor Township, December 5, 1866. The Adamson family resided in a brick dwelling, on what is now known as the Githens farm, three miles southeast of Kokomo, on the banks of Kokomo Creek. The marriage took place, however, in Iowa.
The surviving members of the immediate family are: The widow, Mary Emily Adamson Learner; and the following chidren: Ulysses Learner, city; Leavitt C. Learner, Abbeville, Louisiana; Ernest R. Learner, Buffalo; Ellis M. Learner who resides at the home place; Harry M. Learner, Buffalo; Donald H. Learner, Houma, Louisiana; and Mrs. Ruth L. Copp, Kokomo. There are eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. J. W. Learner of this city is a brother.
Mr. Learner was a member of the 57th Indiana Infantry and was principal in numerous heroic services during the civil war. In (Continued on Page Two)
the battle of Franklin he was a member of the detail under command of Col. Willis Blanche which was holding the road and was cut off from the rest of the troops. Finally the ammunition ran out. Col. Blanch said that he would not order any one of his men to take the hazard of crossing the blaze of fire to replenish the stock but would call for volunteers. Mr. Learner was the first to volunteer for the service which promised instant death. When it came the moment for departure upon his hazardous undertaking Col. Blanch and Mr. Learner bid each other goodbye, for it was recognized that probably would never return.
Mr. Learner succeeded in getting to the spot where the ammunition was to be obtained without a shot being fired, as the Confederates did not suspect his purpose at the time and could scarcely believe that any man would hazard the trip. But in returning to where his comrades were breathlessly awainting his return, the nature of his undertaking was suddenly realized and a rain of bullets pored around him. One ball struck him on the side of his shoe, turned the round of his heel and left through the opposite side of the shoe, but the shock was so great that Mr. Leaner was thrown to the ground. Fortunately the enemy believed him dead when he was seen to fall and by dodging from behind trees he gained his objective and afforded the much needed ammunition.
That Col. Blanche had a supreme confidence in his accuracy of observation and his integrity of recital was evidenced in a remark Col Blanche once made concerning him which was, "If Comrade Learner should give his version of how any incident happened in the war I would accept his account against the combined account of all his comrades."
An affection of a tender kind existed between the two warriors. It was said that they never met but that they clasped hands, and after a moment of silence tears sprang from their eyes.
It was at the battle Missionary Ridge that Col. Blanche was seated upon a cream white horse, a conspicuous target for the enemy. His finger had been shot off and the blood was streaming down the sides of the horse when Mr. Learner begged of Col. Blanche that he dismount to save his life.
One of the eleven hundred prisoners being taken to Vicksburg for the exchange, and leaving the Cahawba Prison in Alabama, where he endured horrors for three months, Mr. Learner was one of the Union soldiers aboard the ill fated Mississippi River steamer Sultana, the boilers of which exploded. Scenes of indescribable misery and horrow ensued, and Mr. Learner was scalded so badly that the flesh came off his left leg. He was so weak from the injury that for three months he was unable to feed himself. During the ensuing years he often battled for his life when poisoning would arise from the old wound which never healed but gave him incessant pain.
The funeral will take place, probably at the United Brethren Church, this city, Tuesday at 2 p.m., the Rev. J. W. Lake officiating. The burial will be made in Crown Point Cemetery. Mr. Learner had been a member of the U. B. Church for many years, having his membership at Hillsdale, a few miles east of his home. The pastor of that church, the Rev. Mr. Rosenbarger, will assist in the funeral services.
The G. A. R. burial service will be given by members of T. J. Harrison Post, with which Mr. Learner had long been affiliated. The active pallbearers will be from the local post of Veterans of Foreign Wars. The honorary pallbearers have not yet been designated.

Kokomo Daily Tribune, Saturday, 7 Feb 1925, 14 Feb 1925, and 21 Feb 1925
Legal Notice
Notice of Administration
Notice is hereby given, that the undersigned has been appointed the Judge of the Circuit Court of Howard County, State of Indiana, Executor of the estate of Benjamin F. Learner, late of Howard County, deceased.
Said estate is supposed to be solvent
Ellis M. Learner, Administrator
February 6, 1925

Kokomo Daily Tribune, Thursday, 5 Feb 1925
Probate Learner Will
Life Interest for Widow; Children Finally to Inherit
The will of Benjamin F. Learner was admitted to probate in the circuit court this morning. By the terms of that instrument he leaves all his property to his widow, Mary E. Learner during her lifetime and at her death it descends share and share alike to his eight children, a proviso being that if any of that number die the descendants shall take a parent's share.
Ellis M. Learner designated by the will to serve as executor was appointed to that position by Judge John Marshall and is to take full charge of affairs.

Kokomo Daily Tribune, Thursday, 28 May 1925
Taps Sounded for 18
That Many Local GAR Men Have Died Within the Last Year
Following are the names of the 18 members of the GAR who have answered the "last great roll-call" since last Decoration day, in the order of their as announced by the local post's adjutant, Dr. J. H. Stone
.....Benjamin F. Learner, Co. G, 57th Indiana Infantry.

Kokomo Daily Tribune, Friday, 30 Oct 1925
Historical Review of Pioneer Period of Howard County, Its Townships and Kokomo
Harrison Township
....The first which settler in Harrison township was Martin Crist, who, in 1840, staked off a claim and erected a log house on the north bank of Little Wildcat. ....In 1841 came David Bates, Charles Harmon, Bernhart Learner
....The first birth in the township was that of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Bernhart Learner. This son, Benjamin Franklin Learner, was born on May 29, 1842. He died at his home, a mile east of Kokomo, last winter, a man rich in pioneer memories, of splendid record as a Civil War Soldier and possessing the affectionate regard of all who knew him.

Buried Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo, Howard Co, IN. Shares a marker with wife Mary.

The Following Bill was introduced in the House of Representative, 54th Congress, Jauary 6, 1896
A BILL to do justice to the survivors of the shipwreck of the Sultana
Be in enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That all the survivors of the shipwreck of the Sultana steamboat, on the Mississippi River, in April, eighteen hundred and sixty-five, who are now drawing or may be entitled to draw pensions, and all their widows, shall be entitled to arrears from the date of the filing of their original claim under the general law when they failed to obtain a pension thereunder, but have been or may be pensioned under the Act approved June twenty-seventh, eighteen hundred and ninety, entitled "An Act granting pensions to soldiers and sailors who are incapacitated for the performance of manual labor, and providing for pensions to widows, minor children, and dependent parents;" and all claims filed under said Act shall relate to and entitled the claimant to draw a pension from the day his original claim was filed under the general law; and on application of any pensioner entitled under this Act, by letter or otherwise, a reissue pension certificate shall be granted him or her entitling him or her to the arrears provided by this Act; and no claim agent or other person shall be entitled to receive any compensation for services in making application for such arrears.

Birth	29 May 1842	Indiana
Marriage	5 Dec 1866	Janesville, Bremer County, Iowa - Mary Emily ADAMSON
Death	31 Jan 1925	Howard County, Indiana

Spouse	Mary Emily ADAMSON (1847 - 1929)
Child	Ulysses Aaron Learner (1867 - 1943)
Child	Leavitt Charles "Levi" Learner (1869 - 1955)
Child	Lillian Learner (1871 - 1874)
Child	Ernest Ronald Learner (1874 - 1948)
Child	Pearl Harold Learner (1876 - 1913)
Child	Ellis Moulder Learner (1883 - 1962)
Child	Harry Wendell Learner (1886 - 1973)
Child	Donald Hartley Learner (1891 - 1970)
Child	Ruth Thelma Learner (1897 - 1990)

Father	Barnhart Learner (1808 - 1900)
Mother	Catherine Huitter (1807 - 1850)
Sibling	Mary Learner (1835 - )
Sibling	Julia A. Learner (1841 - )
Sibling	John Wesley Learner (1848 - 1940)
Sibling	Catherine Learner (1849 - )