Nathan Garrett was born on November 19, 1806, in Guilford County, North Carolina, to Caleb Garrett and Befulah Jackson. The family moved to Salem, Indiana, around 1817, and Garrett grew up and attended school there. He moved to Randolph County, Indiana, around 1824, and he earned a living as a teacher. According to an early biographer, he was “accounted a remarkable scholar for his time, having a knowledge of the classics as well as the common branches.”

 

He married Sarah Puckett, and they had at least two children: Duane, born around 1834; and Prentice, born around 1836. The couple lived near Buena Vista, Indiana. Garrett served two terms as sheriff in the 1830s, and he served as county auditor from 1846 until 1860. Sarah died in June 1849, and he married Malinda Hunt on December 23, 1850. They had at least four children: Fremont, born around 1852; Egbert, born around 1855; Jessie, born around 1857; and Welcome, born around 1863.

 

They lived in Winchester, Indiana, and by 1850, Garrett owned $800 of real estate. They moved to Nettle Creek, Indiana, and purchased a 200-acre farm around 1860. He enlisted in the Union army in June 1862, and he mustered in as a private in the 7^th Indiana Cavalry. Soon afterward, army officials promoted him to quartermaster. According to an early biographer, he was a “true patriot,” and he “served his country faithfully for a term of three years.” He mustered out at the end of the war.

 

He returned to Nettle Creek after the war and resumed his work as a farmer. By 1870, the family owned $10,000 of real estate and $1,000 of personal property. He was reportedly an “ardent and uncompromising Republican.” He died in 1871.

 

Image: Nathan Garrett (History of Randolph County, Indiana)

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