Jackson County Indiana Biographies

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HON. GEORGE W. CARR, of Carr Township, was born in Clarke County, Ind., October 7, 1807. He is the second of a family of six children born to Thomas and Margaret (Buchanan)Carr, who came to Clarke County from Mercer County, Ky., in the year 1804. He removed with his parents to Jackson County in1811; where he remained until 1831, when he removed to Lawrence County. In 1853 he was appointed receiver of public money by President Pierce, and in consequence moved to Jeffersonville, where he remained two years, when the office was discontinued. Leaving Jeffersonville, he returned to Jackson County and located on the farm where he now lives. While in Lawrence County, he served the people nine years in the State Legislature; serving six years in the lower house and three years in the Senate. While in the lower house, he was twice elected speaker, 1848-49. In 1850he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and on the assembly of that body, was elected chairman, receiving 132out of 138 votes. In 1845 Col. Carr was chosen presidential elector for Cass and Benton. In 1851-52, he was appointed by the Legislature, together with Jonathan A. Lester and Walter Marsh (two distinguished lawyers), to revise the code simplifying the practice by abolishing the distinction between law and equity. During the year 1862, Col. Carr recruited six companies of the Ninety-second Regiment, over which he was appointed lieu-tenant-colonel, and went to the field the same year and reported to Gen. Sherman. He served in this capacity for about eight months during which time he participated in the battle of Jackson, Miss., and was about one month engaged in the siege of Vicksburg, when, on account of the loss of health, he was compelled to resign. Mr. Carr is a Republican in politics, but believes in the national principles of finance. Mr. Carr is an extraordinary man, both physically and mentally, and has lived a life of great usefulness. In 1826 he was married to Elizabeth Brown, and the following children have blessed this union: Sarah, Polly, Jane A.,Matilda, James T., David, George W., John, Columbus and William. Mrs. Carr died in 1864, and a few years later married his present wife, who is a native of Vevay, Ind. He is now living in retirement and is enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 631 - 632

JOHN FLAVEL CARR (deceased), who died at his residence in Carr Township, Jackson Co., Ind., was born in Clarke County,Ind., March 27, 1805. He was, at the time of his decease, April23, 1878, probably one of the oldest citizens who was born in the State. He came with his father to Jackson County in the spring of 1811, and lived sixty-seven years near the place where his father settled. He was early called by his fellow citizens to political honors; and was elected first in 1835 to the House of Representatives of the State Legislature. He was re-elected to the same office in the year 1837, and also in 1838. In the year 1839he was chosen as State senator for the district composed of the counties of Jackson and Scott, and he was re-elected in 1842. Mr. Carr was also elected a member of the convention which framed the State constitution, and will, doubtless, be remembered with kindly feelings by the members of that worthy body who are still living. In 1845 he was elected one of the directors for the State of the old State Bank of Indiana. He held his position till the charter of the bank expired, and its business affairs were settled. By virtue of the latter office he was a member of the board of commissioners of the State sinking fund. This position he filled for the space of seventeen years. The board had charge of school fund of the State, and so wise and prudent was the management that, on his retirement, the fund amounted to several millions of dollars. It was with pride that he thought of the magnificent school fund, and of its increase, while he, with his colleagues, had the care of it, and that while in their charge none of the funds had been lost. The friends of the common schools of Indiana owe a debt of gratitude to those who so care-fully guarded the school fund, that the children of the State might enjoy the advantages of our excellent common school system. Mr. Carr served for a time as a member of the State board of agriculture, and was provost-marshal of Jackson County during the Rebellion. He filled all these positions with honor and dignity. Until the time of the Rebellion Mr. Carr acted with the Democratic Party. Feeling that his party did not maintain as firm an attitude as it should for the preservation of the Union, he thereafter acted with the Republicans. His cardinal political creed was equal and exact justice to all men. Though in his youth he did not have the advantages of education which are now enjoyed by the youth of the State, still such was the native vigor of his intellect and his habits of reading and observation, that he was well informed on all the subjects of the day. He saw the State when it was almost an unbroken wilderness. He lived to see it honored among the sisterhood of States, the home of nearly 2,000,000 of inhabitants. When he was elected to the Legislature in 1835 he made his journey to the mud-encompassed capital of the State on horseback. What a change forty years have wrought! Mr. Carr was glad to see the progress of his native State, of whose early history he had seen so much. Of stalwart frame and commanding presence Mr. Carr was a fine specimen of the pioneers of the State. Thus beloved and respected in all the relations of life, honored and loved most by those who knew him best, deeply mourned by relatives and friends, he has gone from the scene of his labors. History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 632 - 634

PETER L. CARTER was born February 28, 1820, in Grassy Fork Township, Jackson Co., Ind. He was the seventh in a family of thirteen children born to Job and Gracy (Sneed) Carter. The former was a native of Maryland, the latter of Virginia. Both were of English extraction. They were married in Stafford County, Va., November 8, 1808, and remained in Virginia till four of the thirteen children were born, after which they removed to Clark's Reservation, in Clarke County, Indiana, where the five were born. They next removed to Jennings County, Ind., where they remained one year, then came to Jackson County in 1817,and permanently located in Grassy Fork Township, where the subject of this sketch first saw the light of day, in an old log cabin, with dirt floor. He was reared upon a farm, and under-went all the hardships incident to pioneer life. He received but a limited education, frequently going three miles to the nearest schoolhouse, through an unbroken forest. By a system of self-culture he acquired a sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to teach, which vocation he followed in and about Brownstown later on. He was married, in August, 1847, to Sarah Elizabeth, the daughter of Austin and Jane Gould. Mr. Carter's wife died in 1878. About the year 1850 Mr. Carter engaged in business at what is now known as Dudleytown, this county, and after five years removed to New Farmington, where he continued his mercantile pursuits, and in this connection acted as agent for the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, at this place. In the spring of 1861 he removed to Seymour where he established a store, handling general merchandise, building his own store and residence. Mr. Carter assisted in the establishment of the spoke factory of Seymour, and also invested in a stock stave factory. He was always an active and ardent supporter of the common school system, and when the town was incorporated he was elected school trustee. This position he held for twelve years, during which time he built the schools up to the standard of excellence that has since characterized them. He was the principal promoter of the erection of the Shields High School building, and the colored school, and also the large addition to the former. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1847. The following children have blessed his married life: Eva, Jane and Maurice (twins), Sandford E., George D. They are all dead except George and Sandford. The Carter family is one of the most prominent among the early pioneers. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 678 - 679

TRAVIS CARTER, who has watched the growth of Seymour from a mere hamlet to its present prosperous proportions, and has been closely identified with its material growth, is a native of Jackson County, born September 26, 1819. His parents, Benjamin and Nancy (Reynolds) Carter, were natives of Virginia. His early educational advantages were only those offered to pioneers generally -- the old log schoolhouse and the three months' term. He remained upon a farm in Grassy Fork Township until 1852, when he came to Seymour, where he located before there were any lots sold. In 1854 he built the first carding-machine, and in 1856 added a planning-mill. On the 24th of December, 1840, he was married to Esther Killey, a native of Tennessee. Seven children have been born to them, five of whom are living: Benjamin, Julia, William A., Mary and John A. He formerly held the office of trustee of Grassy Fork Township, and has been a justice of the peace of Seymour. He was one of three who established the Seymour Woolen Mills, John Love and Charles Butler being associated with him in this enterprise. He was one of the directors of the hub and spoke factory, selling out after it began operations. He was also first postmaster of Seymour. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 679

W. A. CARTER was the fourth born to Travis and Esther (Killey) Carter. Travis Carter was one of the pioneer citizens of Seymour as well as Jackson County. W. A. Carter is a native of Jackson County. He was born October 16, 1849, near Tampico, in Jackson County. They, after their removal to Seymour, occupied the second existing house in the place. He attended the common schools of his day, where only the common branches were taught in a rude and imperfect manner. He here acquired the rudiments of an education. He afterward served an apprenticeship to a carpenter, and followed this vocation until, his eyes failing him, he was compelled to abandon his trade. He then engaged in the book and stationery business, in Columbus, Indiana, where he removed in 1878. He soon closed out his business here and returned to Seymour, where he engaged in the heading business, making them direct from the log. He was married, December 4, 1872, to Carrie Roeger, the daughter of an old and influential German family, of Jackson County. Five children have blessed this union, all of whom are living: Arthur P., Travis R., William 0., Lloyd S., Anna Esther. Mrs. Carter is a native of Jackson County. Mr. Carter is at present engaged in the dairy market business, on Second Street, east of Indianapolis Avenue, Seymour. He is conducting a thriving business. Al-though comparatively a young man, he has seen Seymour expand from a hamlet of two houses to a large and progressive manufacturing town. He is a member of the order of K. of P. His wife is a member of the First Baptist Church. DR. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 679 – 680

WILLIAM M. CASEY, of Seymour, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 16, 1850, the third son of Thomas and Eliza (Hancock) Casey; both parents were natives of Maryland. His father came to Indiana in 1860, settling upon a farm in Scott County. Until he arrived at the age of seventeen years, young William alternated farm labor with attendance at school. He then entered Moore's Hill College and pursued the curriculum there three years; after which he spent a short time in Decatur County, this State, where he taught a nine months' term of school. Returning home he taught school the following winter in Scott County, and in 1870 he came to this county and followed the same calling for four years, half of this time being principal of the Crothersville schools. The Doctor began the study of medicine in 1874, attending a course of lectures the following year at the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, and the next year attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and graduated there in 1878. For the practice of his profession he first located at Deputy, Jefferson County, this State. and eighteen months afterward sold out his situation there and for the ensuing five months attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York City. Returning west, he located in Seymour, this county, in July, 1880, where he is now building up a good practice. He is zealously devoted to his chosen calling, and, being capable; he is proving himself to be successful. He is a self-made man, attaining his present standing by merit alone. In his political action he votes the Republican ticket; and in his social relations a member of the Masonic order. For two years now he has been secretary of the city board of health. September 3, 1878, the Doctor was united in matrimony with Miss Eunice Foster, who is a native of Jackson County. Their two children are Lula and Thomas. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 680 - 681

HON. ALBERT PRIEST CHARLES is a native of Lowell, of Middlesex Co., Mass. He was born January 26, 1840. He is firstborn to Ambrose and Besmath (Dickey) Charles, who are both natives of New England. He received his elementary training in the schools of his native town, after which he attended Phillips' Academy at Andover, and there prepared himself to enter the famous Dartmouth College, which he did in the fall of 1860. He graduated in 1864, with the degree of B. A. Soon after leaving college, he entered the law office of Samuel N. Bell, of Manchester, N. H., where he remained as a student for three years, with the exception of a few months which he spent in teaching at Gloucester, Mass. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of New Hampshire, in 1867, and in October of the same year came west, and located at Seymour, where he has since resided. He soon won the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, who elected him mayor in 1872; he declined a re-election, but submitting to the clamor of his friends, accepted the same office again in 1874, and again in 1876. Though urgently solicited he positively refused a fourth term. In the fall of 1880, he was nominated for Congress by the Republican party of the Second Congressional District. His party being largely in the minority he was defeated, though running far ahead of his ticket. He has been a member of the school board of Seymour for five years and is a zealous worker in educational affairs. He has a large and lucrative law practice, being attorney of several of the wealthiest corporations in this section of Indiana. He is an able advocate as well as a fine judge of law, and has one of the largest and best selected law libraries in the State. Mr. Charles is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has filled all the principal offices in the grand chapter and grand council, and is the present Grand Master of Indiana, to which position he was elected in 1884. In his own State his decisions on Masonic law are considered the very best authority and have been so accepted in many other States. He has one of the largest Masonic libraries in the State, as well as a large and well selected library of miscellaneous works. He was married, October 27, 1874, to Miss Belle C. Thurston, of Seymour. Four children have been born to this union: George Mc., Albert P., Frank C. and Robert T. Mr. Charles is in comfortable circumstances and has an ideal home, with every convenience to make home happy. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 681 - 682

DR. SAMUEL R. CHARLTON, of Seymour, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., November 1, 1826. He is one of eleven children born to Thomas and Alice (Henry) Charlton, who were early settlers in Jefferson County. In early life he attended the common schools of his native section, and also the county seminary. On account of sickness he was prevented from attending college. At the age of twenty years he began the study of medicine with Dr. Solomon Davis and Dr. T. C. Gale, of Vevay. In1850 he began the practice of his profession at Hardenburg, in Jennings County, and remained there until 1854. At that time he located in Vernon and continued his practice until March, 1858. While at Hardenburg, in December, 1852, he was married to Cordelia Andrews, a daughter of Alanson and Minerva (Harding) Andrews, of Vernon. In March, 1858, he came to Seymour, where he has ever since resided and practiced his profession. He is a graduate of the Louisville University. He was assistant surgeon in the Sixth Indiana Regiment during the civil war, and was for five years a member of the Seymour board of health. He was first vice-president of the Tri-State Medical Society, of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky in 1881, and was also vice-president of the Indiana Medical Society in 1882. He was president of the Mitchel District Society in 1878; president of Jackson County Medical Society in 1878. In 1885 was elected member of the council of the section of diseases of children, to the International Medical Congress, that will meet in Washington City in1887. In politics the Doctor has always been a Republican. He is a member of the orders of Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor, in which he has held several positions. The Doctor and his wife are both members of the First Presbyterian Church, of Seymour, in which he has been a ruling elder for ten years, and was at one time commissioner to the General Assembly at Saratoga, N. Y. Dr. Charlton enjoys a large and lucrative practice that is the result of large experience and a profound knowledge of his profession. He is possessed of a genial, cordial nature, qualities that endear him to all who know him. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 682 – 683

DR. GEORGE CHUTE is a native of Washington County, Ohio. He was born June 8, 1825, being the eldest son of William and Anna Chute. His parents were natives of Maine and Ohio, and were descendants of the old Yankee and Dutch elements of the Eastern States. George's early schooling was received in a log schoolhouse of his native county. At the age of seventeen he entered the academy at Marietta, Ohio, where he remained about one year. About this time he began the study of medicine with Dr. Freeman, of Marietta, devoting but a portion of his time to the study. In the fall of 1844 he entered a medical college at Cincinnati, under Prof. Alva Curliss. Having graduated from that institution in the spring of 1861, he came to Indiana and began the practice of his profession in Freetown. Being conscious of the responsibilities of a physician, Mr. Chute understood that a medical college diploma was not a synonym for the words "skilled practitioner," and he has been untiring in his devotion to the study of the science. As a result of his efforts he was most successful, and acquired an extensive practice. December, 1848, he married Mary J. Nichol, a native of Pennsylvania. To them have been born six children, of whom three are living: Edna, Eliza and Roxena. He is a member of the F. &A. M., and in politics is a Democrat. Of late years the Doctor’s health has been failing, and he has given up the practice of calling upon his patients. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 739

HENRY CLAYBAKER (deceased) was born in Germany in1800 and immigrated to this country in about the year 1832. He located in Cincinnati in 1836 and there married Catherine Drees,a native of Germany, born in the year 1812, and came with her parents to Cincinnati in 1835. In 1838 the subject of this sketch moved to Jackson County, Ind., and settled on an unimproved farm which he afterward improved and lived on till his death, which occurred in 1861. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. The following family mourn his loss: His beloved wife, John, Herman H., August, Catherine, Lewis and Andrew. Herman H. was born in Jackson County, in the year 1844 and now resides on the old homestead. In the year 1885 he married, Sophia Smith, who was born in Jackson County. Herman H. is a Democrat in politics and as such has rendered valuable services to his party. The family are all members of the Lutheran Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 608

P. Y. CLAYTON, farmer, Brownstown Township, is a native of Jackson County. He was born September 20, 1831, and is a son of Archibald and Lydia (Dixon) Clayton. Our subject has been a lifelong resident of this county. His occupation has always been that of farming. He was married, November 26,1854, to Rebecca A. Findley, a native of Jackson County, born February 1, 1830, a daughter of Hugh A. and Rebecca (Coons)Findley, who were prominent early settlers of the county. Mrs. Clayton bore him four children. She died March 29, 1869,lamented as a faithful wife and mother. The children are Hettie, born August 20, 1855; William A., March 23, 1858; Alice, January 17, 1862, now the wife of Frederick Robertson, and Charley M., born June 13, 1866. Mr. Clayton is highly respected in the community where he lives and in politics is a Republican. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 608 609

C. B. COLE, of Seymour, former superintendent of the Cincinnati & Vincennes division of the Ohio & Mississippi Rail-road, and the present master of transportation of the same line, was born July 17, 1833, in Caledonia County, Vt., and is a son of Ziba and Rebecca (Ford) Cole. He acquired the rudiments of an education at the common schools of his native county. Lived upon his father's farm until the age of nineteen, when he went to northern New Hampshire where he engaged to drive ox teams during the construction of the Grand Trunk Railroad from Portland to Montreal. Upon the completion of this road he worked for the Northern New Hampshire Railroad on repairs. In 1858settled in Seymour, Ind., and beginning work on the Ohio &Mississippi Railroad as a bridge carpenter, was promoted to the position of road master and appointed conductor of freight and passenger trains. He continued in the employ of this road for ten years and was then employed by the Union Pacific, running a passenger train from Rawley's Springs to Wabsutch on that line. He was subsequently employed by the Vandalia line as yard master and freight conductor where he remained one year. We next find him in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Road as freight conductor, which position he held for one year and a half. He then resigned and returned to Seymour, Ind., in 1872, and was appointed train master of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. Soon after he was made division superintendent between Cincinnati and Vincennes. Then master of transportation which position he now holds. He has been twice married, first in 1855, to Lydia Brooks, of Lebanon, N. H.; they had one child; a daughter, who died at the age of nineteen. In 1862 he married Fannie Teatman, of Lawrenceburg, Ind., to whom two children have been born. Mr. Cole commenced life with no means and comparatively little education and has worked his way to the position he now holds by his own energy and close attention to business. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 683 - 684

C. G. COLE is a native of Starke, N. H. He is a son of Ziba and Rebecca (Ford) Cole. He remained in New Hampshire until his ninth year, when the family removed to Indiana. His early school advantages were the common schools, where he acquired knowledge of the rudimentary branches. The early years of his life were spent upon a farm. He was born June 30, 1851. At the age of eighteen he began his career as a railroad man, a vocation he has followed now for sixteen years. He was married, April 3, 1872, to Miss Belle Hillson, an accomplished young lady of English extraction. Two children have been born to this union, both living: Manie and Warren. Mr. Cole is engaged as a conductor on the Ohio & Mississippi Rail-road. He has been in the employ of this company for twelve years. By faithful adherence to the line of duty he has made himself invaluable to his road. He is a brother of C. B. Cole, master of transportation of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. Mrs. Cole is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 684

MATTHEW COOLEY, a citizen of Seymour, Ind., is a native of Fayette County, Penn., and was born April 3O, 1833, and is the seventh son of Frederick and Jane Cooley, who were also natives of that State, of Dutch descent. When five years of age, he moved with his parents to Allegheny County, Penn. His early days were spent on the farm, and he secured such education as the limited means and circumstances of his times would permit. At the age of nineteen years, he came to Jackson County, where he secured employment as a carpenter with the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. After one year he went to Louisville, Ky., and worked about eighteen months. He then returned to Seymour, where he has ever since made his home. For ten years he was employed by the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad. His next engagement was with Travis, Carter & Co., with whom he remained until 1883. Since that time he has been working for the railroad and others. His marriage occurred in July, 1857, when Sarah E. Huffman became his wife. She is a native of Jackson County and has borne him seven children, of whom these five are now living: Eva R., William, Fred A., Nellie and Harvey. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 684 - 685

FINLEY S. COLLINS, proprietor of the Seymour Daily and Weekly Democrat, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Cumberland, of said State, on the 24th day of December, 1862.After receiving the preparatory training he was sent to the McIntyre High School, at Zanesville, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated. The course was a thorough one and Mr. Collins came from school well prepared for the work in which he has since been engaged. January 1, 1881, he came with the family to Seymour, where he has ever since remained. In 1884Mr. Collins became proprietor, city editor and business manager of the Democrat, an evening daily, of which his step-father, Mr. Forsythe, is managing editor. The success of this paper is largely due to the business enterprise of the proprietor, and for one so young he deserves special credit. Socially he stands high among both old and young, and for his ever gentlemanly conduct he is beloved by all. Mr. Collins is a member of the K. of P., secret society, and also a Mason, having reached the rank of Sir Knight. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 685

JAMES OLIVER CROSS, of Salt Creek Township, was born in Tennessee April 16, 1830, he being the second son of William and Mariam Cross. His father and mother (whose maiden name was Mormon) were both born in North Carolina, and both moved to this State in 1816, locating where Seymour now stands. The county was at that time a wilderness, and Indians roamed through the forest unmolested. They were married in 1822, and soon after they moved to North Carolina, and shortly from thence to Tennessee, where Oliver was born. In 1831 they moved back to this county, locating in Salt Creek Township where they resided the rest of their lives. The occupation of William Cross was that of a farmer. He and his wife joined the Christian Church at Buffalo in 1840. They both served as officers in the church up to death, she being a deaconess for thirty-five years. At the time of the early settling of this county physicians were few. Mrs. Cross was much praised for waiting on and caring for the sick. It was no rare occurrence for her to ride ten or twelve miles in the dark, through woods and rain or snow, to visit and care for some poor sufferer. William Cross died in1861, of dropsy. His widow died September 17, 1885, after a lingering illness of eight months caused by typhoid fever, aged nearly seventy-nine years. She had resided on the same farm, two miles northeast of Houston, since 1832, or for fifty-three years, being at the time of her death one of the earliest inhabit-ants of Salt Creek Township, also of the county. Oliver remained at home, receiving a very limited education working on the farm, until 1851, at which time he was united in marriage to Margaret Souder, who was a native of Brownstown Township, born May 16, 1830. He purchased a farm in the eastern part of Salt Creek Township, and began farming. Soon after he secured and moved on a farm one and one-half miles northeast of Houston, where he has since continued the occupation of farming. In February of1861 his wife died. To them were born four children, two of whom are living, namely: Susan and Jane both married. In1862, when the Fiftieth Regiment was sent forth to help subdue the Rebellion, Oliver accompanied them. He was never sworn in, and went merely to be with his three brothers, who were in the regiment. December 4, 1863, he married Lucretia Pruitt, who was born in Brown County, this State, October 17, 1848, but at the time of marriage she was an inhabitant of Salt Creek Township. To them were born nine children, eight of whom are living, namely: Thomas Sherman, John M., Nancy A., James B., Mariam J., Hattie E., Lucy B. and Laura E. For the past five years Mr. Cross and sons have been dealing largely in staves, under the name of J. O. Cross & Sons. Cross & Sons are buying staves in five counties, namely: Jackson, Bartholomew, Lawrence, Brown and Monroe. Gibson & McDonald, of Seymour, have been using most of their staves. Their stave trade has furnished thousands of dollars to Salt Creek and surrounding townships. By having their staves dressed in the country they furnish employment to hundreds of hands, thus greatly benefitting the local merchants by giving them the trade which would otherwise go to the cities or larger towns. Mr. Cross' ancestors were English on his father's side and German and French on his mother's side. He and wife are both members of the Christian Church. Democratic in politics. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 739 - 741

JOHN CROSS, one of the leading citizens of Jackson County and a prominent farmer of Salt Creek Township, was born in Burke County, N. C., February 7, 1815. His parents were Solomon and Elizabeth (Tippes) Cross, who came to this county in an early day. John's education was but meager in early life, owing to poor facilities in his native State. He has now been a resident of the county fifty-seven years. April 7, 1835, he married Elizabeth Brown, also of North Carolina. She died December 31, 1867.June 28, following, he married Mrs. Cansada (Hunter) Winkler, of Lawrence County. In 1854 he began doing a dry goods business at Houston, and continued at that for fourteen years. At the end of that time he sold out and returned to his farm where he now lives. He has been successful in business and closely identified with the interests of the county. He voted for Jackson, and from that time to the present has been identified with the Democratic Party. In 1859 he was chosen county commissioner and served three years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cross are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served thirty-one years as steward. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 741

LEVI M. CROSS is a native of Salt Creek Township, where he now lives and was born December 10, 1842. He is the eldest son of Thomas and Rebecca (Bridgewaters) Cross. His education is such as the schools of his day afforded. Eliza Cordell, a native of Ohio, became his wife October 16, 1865, and to their union six children were born, of whom five are now living: Catherine, George W., Franklin, Mary A., and Edward. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, and took part in all the important battles in which that regiment was engaged. On his return home he followed farming until 1868, when he began the wagon-maker's trade. December 29, 1882, he mourned the death of his wife; and June 24, 1883, he married Rettie Smith of this county. In 1882 he was appointed postmaster, and at once began keeping a line of notions, groceries, etc. He belongs to the G. A. R., and is a Democrat. Mr. Crosshas been quite successful thus far in life. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he is an officer. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 741 - 742

S. Z. CROSS, who now lives in Salt Creek Township, was born in Brownstown Township, this county, July 18, 1842. Heis the eldest son of Jacob and Eliza (Richards) Cross of Tennessee and Kentucky. His early education was limited to the country schools of his time. His marriage with Anna R. DeLong, a native of Ohio, was solemnized October 3, 1866. Of their eight children only six are now living: Ralph R., Samuel J., Florilla, Emil E., Edna V. and Ida I. Mr. Cross has always been engaged in farming, although he has worked some at carpentering. He volunteered in the Fiftieth Indiana Regiment, in October, 1861, and served until September, 1865. His political faith has always been that of a Democrat. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has been a member of the Masonic society for fifteen years. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 742

JAMES M. CULVER, grocer, Seymour, was born in Ripley County, Ind., February 15, 1825, being the third son of Aaron and Cassandra (House) Culver, natives respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. His maternal grandfather, Levi House, lived to be one hundred and ten years of age. Mr. Culver's youth was passed in farm labor, alternated with attendance at schools in the characteristic pioneer log house. About the age of twenty he left home and was engaged on a steamboat on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers until 1849. In the fall of 1850 he commenced to conduct a hotel at Napoleon, which he continued to do for four years, then becoming a bridge carpenter, then superintendent of bridge building forces, continuing to the year 1862. On leaving the hotel in October, 1855, he came to Seymour and erected be building known as Seip's Hall. From 1862 to about 1870 he was a railroad conductor for the Ohio & Mississippi Company. Following the carpenter's trade until 1876, he moved to Cincinnati, and was employed in an ice-chest manufactory two years and returning to Seymour he opened the grocery business at the corner of Third Street and Broadway, where he is now flourishing. In his political sympathies he is a Republican, and in religion a Catholic. February 24, 1850, is the date of Mr. Culver's marriage to Ellen A. Murphy, a native of Carbondale, Penn. Their only child, John A., born in 1854, is a physician in Cincinnati. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 685 – 686

D. J. CUMMINGS, M. D., of Houston, was born in Jackson County, July 11, 1845. His parents were Joseph and Malinda (Faubion) Cumming, natives, respectively, of Lawrence County, Ind., and of Tennessee. In early life the Doctor attended the common schools and later received an academic education in the schools at Clear Spring. At the early age of eighteen he volunteered in the service of his country. The date of his enlistment was December 17, 1863, and his regiment was the Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, with which he served in several battles and at the close of the war was honorably discharged. Upon his return, finished his schooling in the academy and began the study of medicine with Dr. W. H. Smith, at Leesville. In the fall of 1868he began a course in the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. In the following May he located at Houston, where he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. His first wife was Sarah E. Starr, of Lawrence County, and this wedding was solemnized July 26, 1866; three children were born to this union. She died September 23, 1871, and for his second wife he took Rebecca J. Cummings June 30, 1872. She has borne him three children; Elmer, Cora and Joseph. The Doctor is a Mason, in which order he is now Worshipful Master, and is also a member of the G. A. R. His political affiliation is with the Democratic Party. He stands high in his profession and has been twice appointed a delegate to the American Medical Association. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 742 – 743

COL. JOHN J. CUMMINS (deceased), of Brownstown Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, December 29, 1820,was raised on a farm until fourteen years of age, when he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he worked at until eighteen years of age. He then went to Lawrenceburg, Ind., and began the study of law with James Brown. After remaining with him for several years he went to Versailles, Ind., and formed a partnership in law practice with William Holdman. Here he remained until1844, when he came to Brownstown and established a law practice and soon became one of the leading attorneys of the county. He was chosen as a delegate to the first Republican National Convention at Philadelphia and during the war of the Rebellion was commissioned by Gov. Morton as colonel of the militia. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican Party, when he became identified with that party. June 26, 1855, he married Miss Mary C. Murphy, daughter of George H. and Lydia W.(Warner) Murphy, who were early settlers and highly respected citizens of Jackson County. In 1860 Col. Cummins retired from active practice to spend the remainder of his days on a farm. Here he lived in retirement until his death, which occurred March10, 1885. He had filled many prominent positions, taken an active part in the preservation of the Union during the war, and was very much honored and respected by all who knew him. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 609

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