The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Washington Township, pages 741-742
Barney Gossett is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Oct. 30, 1841, a son of Joseph and Hannah (Walton) Gossett, natives of North Carolina, who accompanied their parents to Hendricks County, in 1835. They were married in this county and settled a mile south of Avon, in Washington Township, where the father died in 1848, and the mother in 1868. Of their five children, three are living--Nelson, Barney and Rachel E. After the father's death the mother married John Milton, by whom she had one child--John F. They endured many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, but were industrious, energetic citizens, and respected by all who knew them. Barney was reared in his native county, remaining with his mother till manhood. When the civil war broke out he enlisted in defense of the Union, in September, 1861, in Company I, Seventh Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in many severe engagements, some of the more important being Antietam, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Petersburg, second Bull Run, Winchester, Fredericksburg and Greenbriar. He was honorably discharged in September, 1864. After his return home he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now has a fine farm of 190 acres. He was married in June, 1865, to Mary A. Richards, a native of Hendricks County, born November, 1841, daughter of Joseph and Abigail Richards, natives of Ohio, who settled in this county in 1838. They have two children--Ella E., born Feb. 28, 1869, and John B., Feb. 22, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Gossett are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gossett has served Washington Township as Justice of the Peace twelve years. He is a member of Virgil H. Lyon Post, No. 186, G.A.R.