Jackson County Indiana Biographies

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KASPER SCHAFER is a native of Germany. He was born April 20, 1828. He began life as a baker, having apprenticed himself to that trade at the age of fourteen. He continued at this employment until the age of twenty-four. In 1852 he embarked for America, landing at New York. Going thence to Louisville, he came from there direct to Seymour. In 1853 he located upon a farm in the suburbs of Seymour, where he still resides. His principal business has been that of supplying the city of Seymour with ice and fish. He has a large pond of pure water upon his premises adjoining which is a strong and commodious ice-house for the storage of ice. He has been very successful in his enterprises and now enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. June 26, 1854, he was married to Josephine Rhea-hart, who was a native of Jennings County, Indiana. To them seven children have been born, six of whom are living: Lewis, Mary, George, Anna, Lizzie and Nicholas. Mrs. Schafer died May 14,1872. He next married Catharine McCaffrey, a native of Jennings County, November 6, 1873. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Schafer is a Democrat. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 715

REV. ANTHONY A. SCHENK, whose portrait appears elsewhere, is the pastor of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, at Seymour. He was born in Posey County, this State, February 12, 1849, being one of nine children born to Theodore and Frances (Schenk) Schenk, who were natives of Westphalia, Germany, and came to America when quite young. Being farmers, their son Anthony was brought up in agricultural pursuits until sixteen years of age, when he began a course of study at St. Meinrad's College, where he completed the classics in three years, and then for two years he studied philosophy at St. Joseph's College, at Bardstown, Ky.; following this with a three years' course in theology, at St. Meinrad's, he was ordained a priest at that place November 2, 1873, by Bishop Maurice de St. Palais. December 6, following, he took charge of St. Ambrose Church, t Seymour, where he has ever since continued; and during his pastorate here the membership of his church has increased to 115 families. In the meantime he has built St. Ambrose Academy and Day School at a cost of $10,000; also a parsonage has been purchased at a cost of $1,000, and a $3,000 addition made to the church edifice. Total expenditures for buildings, etc., about $16,000. The remaining indebtedness is only $1,500.These works are a standing monument of Father Schenk's faithfulness, industry and ability; and his standing is such as to command the highest respect both of Catholics and Protestants. The schools are in charge of five Sisters of Providence, and have an attendance of about 175 pupils. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 715 – 716

JOHN F. SCHNEIDER, Brownstown Township, one of the successful farmers of Jackson County, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., April 28, 1837. His father, John F. Schneider, was a native of Germany and, immigrated to Pennsylvania in about1836, from there to this (Jackson County) in 1838. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Jackson County in about 1847.John F., the subject of the sketch, was raised on a farm in Washington Township, and by industry and economy has secured a fine farm consisting of 226 acres with good buildings, well improved and stocked. He is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, a substantial citizen and a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic Party. He chose for his wife Lasetta Thormwell, a native of Jackson County, and to them five children have been born, viz.: George H., John H., Garett F., Mary E., John W. Mr. Schneider possesses the prominent characteristics of his race (economy and frugality) which have been the secrets of his success in life. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 622

FREEMAN E. SCOTT, a native of Vermont, was born November 12, 1844. His parents Oshea and Susan E. (Corse)Scott were natives of the same State. At the age of eight years he removed with his parents to the State of Massachusetts. It was here the subject of our sketch acquired the rudiments of an education in the common schools. At the age of seventeen he apprenticed himself to a machinist where he learned the trade. He removed to Indiana in 1866, and was variously employed until1873, when he engaged in the saw-mill business in which he continued for three years. Leaving this he was next employed at his trade in the car shops of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, at Jeffersonville, where he remained four months, taking, at the expiration of this time, an engine on the road, which he ran for four years. In the spring of 1871 he took charge of the car shops on the Jeffersonville, Madison &Indianapolis Railroad, at Indianapolis, which position he held for two years. It was in the year 1877 that he began the erection of a stave manufactory and saw-mill at Chestnut Ridge, located on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, in Jack-son County. His brother, F. M. Scott, is associated with him in this enterprise. They now manufacture about 2,000,000 staves a year. They also saw about 400,000 feet of lumber a year. They give employment to about twenty men and boys. In December, 1883, he was married to Miss Gerrish, the daughter of Dr. J. W. F. Gerrish. He has one child by a former marriage. He is a member of the orders of K. of H. and K. of P. In religion he is a Presbyterian, in politics a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 716

JAMES H. SCOTT, proprietor hotel and livery, Brownstown; Indiana, was born in West Wheeling, Ohio, July 4, 1848. Mr. Scott’s former name was "Glasco;" being orphaned at the age of two and a half years, he was adopted by John Scott, whose name he has since borne, and with whom he lived until twenty-one years of age. He has been a resident of Indiana since 1855. He located in Brownstown in 1866; has held the offices of deputy sheriff and deputy clerk; was engaged in the grocery business for a short time. He later engaged in the drug business for two years, after which he engaged in his present business. In 1871he married Hetty A. Cummins, daughter of Phoebe (Benton)Cummins. Mrs. Scott is a native of Jackson County; her parents were early settlers and highly respected by all. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott: Bertha, Mabel, Ralph B., Charles H. and Flossie. Mr. Scott is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and an active Democrat, in politics. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 626

WATSON O. SCOTT, a teacher of Salt Creek Township, is a son of Rev. A. and Mary J. (Hanna) Scott, both natives of Ohio and of Scotch descent. The father was well educated and taught school until he entered the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Mason and a Democrat. Watson O. Was born in Washington County, Ohio, December 16, 1861. He received a good education and entered Moore's Hill College. He began teaching in 1880 and is in his fourth term as teacher. July 4, 1883, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Brown, a native of Brown County, Indiana. Two children have been born to them: William B. and an infant unnamed. He has inherited the political sentiments of his father. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 746

ELISHA SEWELL, of the firm of Sewell & Brown, dealers in general merchandise and agricultural implements, Ewing, Indiana, was born in Jackson County, Indiana, October 28, 1846, and is a son of Moses and Mary A. (Slade) Sewell. They were of old Virginia stock, and among the first settlers of Jackson County, being compelled for a time, after arriving here, to live in a "fort." The boyhood days of our subject were spent in working on the farm, and obtaining an education at the country schools. He followed farming until the year 1875, at which time he gave up that pursuit and engaged in his present occupation. In 1884 he was elected trustee of Brownstown Township, which office he still holds and fills with credit. He was married, October 27, 1871,and is the father of the following children: Leonidas L., Sylvester S. and Edna P. Mr. Sewell is an active Democrat. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 626 - 627

MOSES N. SEWELL, a farmer of Hamilton Township, is a native of the same township, and was born April 22, 1833, being the eldest son of Moses and Mary A. (Slade) Sewell, natives respectively of Ohio and Virginia. The mother was but six years of age when she was brought to this county, her people settling near Vallonia, and for the first two years living in a fort, as the Indians were troublesome. She is still living at Ewing, this county, at the advanced age of eighty years. The subject of our biographical notice, Mr. Moses N. Sewell, received only three months' schooling, and that was in the time of limited opportunities and meager advantages. He learned to read and write, however, the two greatest essentials to education, of which he has since made good use, adding to his intellectual stock by observation and experience. At the age of twenty-two Mr. Sewell struck out into the cold and stormy world for himself working as a hired hand. As he approached the age of forty years, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Abigail Swartwood, who is a native of Bartholomew County, Indiana, and this union has been crowned with the birth of six children, three of whom are living, whose names are Edward, Mary A. and Bessie. In his views of national policy Mr. Sewell advocates the principles of the Democratic Party. Mrs. Sewell is a member of the Christian Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 671 - 672

JOSIAH SHEWMAKER was born in 1803, in Knox County, Ky., and came with his parents, Leonard and Unis (Richie)Shewmaker, to Jackson County in 1814, and first settled near Brownstown. He is a remarkable man. He has been most all of his life a tiller of the soil, and is one of the best informed men now living in the county. He is especially conversant with history, both ancient and modern. To him more than any other one man the people of Jackson are indebted for the preservation of the earliest history of their county, both by reason or his age and his vast information of and interest in his early county history. The Shewmakers lived near Brownstown about nine years, and moved to what is called "The Forks," between the Muscatatuck and White Rivers. They lived there ten years, and then moved near Medora, in Carr Township, where they lived about twenty years, then in 1845 Josiah moved to where he now lives, about three miles west of Medora. He was trustee of his. Township a number of years, and with that exception he has never been in public life, although he was three times tendered the nomination for representative by the Whig party, which he declined in each case. He preferred private life. He has been a successful farmer, and now owns about 335 acres of land, be-sides having given his grandchildren 240 acres. In 1824 he was married to Miss Lucretia Crumb, who was born in Kentucky, but moved to Indiana in an early day. They lived happily together until she died, in 1878. To them were born three children, only one of whom is living, Mrs. Nancy Huffington. Mr.Shewmaker has been a member of the Christian Church since1840. He is a Republican in politics, and was a Whig in the days of the Whig party. He has truly found his glories at the fireside in private life, spent in the service of his Master. History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page s 641 – 642

MEEDY WHITE SHIELDS, late of Seymour, was born in Sevierville, Sevier Co., Tenn., July 8, 1805. He was the son of James and Penelope (White) Shields, and a grandson of Stock-ton Shields, of Virginia, a captain in the Revolutionary war. The subject of this sketch attended school only three months in his life, but by his own energy attained a thorough English education. He removed to Corydon, Harrison County, in 1811,using pack-horses in making the journey. In 1816 the family went to Jackson County and settled on a farm that is now part of the city of Seymour. At this time there ware only six white families in the county. From 1820 to 1832 Mr. Shields was engaged in running a flat-boat from the White River to New Orleans, and in managing his farm. In the early part of 1832,he enlisted in the army, was made first lieutenant, and in the fall of that year was promoted to a captaincy. At the close of the Blackhawk war, in 1833, he returned to Jackson County, where he married Eliza P. Ewing, the daughter of a wealthy farmer of Brownstown, of the same county. He then engaged in farming on the old homestead. In the fall of 1846 he was elected a member of the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1848. In October,1852, he was elected State senator from the counties of Jackson and Scott. In November of that year he laid out the town (now the city) of Seymour, and in 1853 opened a general store and also constructed eleven miles of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He was a lover of fine stock, and manifested a great interest in the improvement of the cattle of the county, making the first importation of fine stock in the neighborhood. It was mainly through his efforts that the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad passed through the town of Seymour, as the road had been located two miles north, through the town of Rockford. In the fall of 1856he was again elected to the State senate from Jackson, and Jennings Counties, and there introduced the bill compelling railroad companies to bring all trains to a stop at crossings of other rail-roads. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Democratic Convention at Charlestown which nominated Douglas for President. He was the father of eight children, two of whom, Ewing and Tipton, are deceased; Bruce T. and William H. are now farming; Sarah S. married John H. Blish in 1854, and Eliza S. married A. W. Dickinson in 1864. Mr. Shields was not a member of any religious denomination, but gave liberally to several churches in their infancy, donating a lot to every church. His wife was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and not only was a liberal contributor to the church at Seymour, but gave largely of her means to the support of Presbyterian Churches all over the State. The city of Seymour, in its rapid growth, its numerous railroad shops, its extensive manufactories, and its high school, which bears Mr. Shields' name, is greatly indebted to the energy, industry, perseverance and influence of its founder. He died February 6, 1866, of inflammation of the stomach, and in his death the city suffered an irreparable loss. His wife departed this life November 14, of the same year. Mr. Shields left an estate worth$375,000, accumulated by his own energy, sagacity and industry. His brother, William Shields, in the year 1840 was a member o the Indiana Legislature, and died during his term of office. He was dearly beloved by the people and was followed to the grave by an immense concourse of citizens. Appropriate resolutions in regard to his sterling worth were adopted by the house. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 716 - 718

DR. JOHN TIPTON SHIELDS, a most prominent citizen of this county, residing at Seymour, was born in Jennings County, Indiana, September 22, 1822, on Sand Creek, near where the first water-mill in that section was built. He was the son of James and Martha (McCasland) Shields, who were natives respectively of Counties Kerry and Dublin, Ireland. Both were represented in the Scottish war. They settled in Jennings County, this State, where they followed farming and merchandising at Vernon, in both of which pursuits the Doctor in his youth was reared. Receiving such training as the schools of his native town afforded, he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. C. Thompson, now of Indianapolis. A year afterward, in1838, he went to St. Charles, Mo., and continued his studies in a private office there until the winter of 1840-41; next he attended a course of lectures at the McDowell Medical College at St. Louis; and, returning to Vernon, after residing there a year, he opened an office at DuPont, Jefferson County, this State. During the winter of 1846-47 he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and graduated with the degree of M. D.; then, after traveling over the greater portion of the United States, he finally located, in 1865, in Seymour, where he has since successfully followed the practice of his profession. The Doctor has taken an active part in public affairs, and, being a deep thinker, a fluent speaker and a man of well defined and honest principles, he has been elected by his party, the Democracy, to many important positions of trust. Accordingly, here presented Jennings County in the Legislature at its extra session of 1858, and regular session of 1859; also Jackson County in 1878-80, and has been ten years a member of the city council of Seymour. He is an active member also of the Masonic, Odd Fellow and Knights of Pythias orders; is benevolent, sympathetic, and never above assisting the needy. In August, 1843, Dr. Shields married Miss Eliza J., daughter of Huffman Barton, of New York, a well educated and talented lady, being a graduate of an Eastern college. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Shields, now living, are two in number, namely Scott and Mrs. Elizabeth Ross. The latter is a graduate of Glendale, Ohio, and of the Cincinnati Music School, and is the possessor of a violin valued at several thousands of dollars. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 718 - 719

DR. JAMES M. SHIELDS was the second born to James S. and Mary E. (Martin) Shields. His father, James S., was a native of Jennings County, Indiana He was a physician by profession. Dr. James M. Shields, the subject of this sketch, was born April10, 1859, at Mitchell, Lawrence County. He attended the common schools of his section, and then graduated at the high school. In 1878 he entered the office of his father and Dr. J. T. Shields. He afterward attended the Kentucky School of Medicine, where he graduated two years later, in 1880. He was married, in October, 1883, to Miss Emma Brown. One child has been born to this union - Frank B. He was appointed pension examiner of the board of examining surgeons of the Third Congressional District at North Vernon. He has also held the office of clerk of the board of health of the city of Seymour. He is at present president of the board of health of Jackson County. He is a member of the order of K. of P., holding the position of chancellor commander. The Doctor is rather retiring in disposition, affable and courteous in demeanor, and has a bright future before him. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 719

LYCURGUS L. SHIELDS, of Seymour, was born in this county, May 19, 1834, the first son of M. W. and Eliza P. (Ewing) Shields. After attending the public school of his neighborhood and the private school of John I. Morrison, at Salem, Indiana, a year, he was at the State University, at Bloomington, Indiana, two years. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss R. J. McCollum, and moved (in 1852), with her parents, to Seymour, when there were but two houses in the place. Of the ten children born to them six are living, namely: Ewing, Fannie, Nellie, Lycurgus, Dickinson and Meedy. The deceased are Eliza P., Swope, Meedy, Sarah and Lorne. Mr. Shields is a farmer and stock raiser. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is regarded as one of the influential men of the county. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 719 - 720

DR. NORBONNE N. SHIPMAN, a physician of Seymour, was born in New Orleans, La., September 21, 1829, being the fourth son of Louis and Sarah J. (King) Shipman, the father a native of Virginia. When he was two years of age his mother died, and when four years old his father emigrated with his children to New Albany, this State, where they were to be reared by his sister, Mrs. Sarah Mathews. When about seventeen years of age he engaged as clerk in the drug business for B. F. Scribner and afterward, in the same capacity, for Winstandley & Newkirk. This relation terminated in 18571 when, December 28, of that year, he married Miss M. Ella Lawrence, a native of New Washing-ton, Clarke Co., Indiana At this time Dr. Shipman went into the drug business for himself at New Albany. A year afterward he went to New Washington, where he had an interest with his, father-in-law in the tannery business, and began reading medicine. In 1863 he commenced attendance at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, but at the close of one term he went to St. Paul, Decatur Co., this State, and practiced medicine there until1876, in the meantime returning to Cincinnati and receiving his diploma. Previous to his entrance at college, however, he had a year’s experience in the United States Hospital, at New Albany. In the year named he came to Seymour, where he has since successfully practiced his chosen profession. At present he is also United States examining surgeon for pensions. In his political views he is a Republican, and he is a member of the order of the K. of the G. R. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor's children are Harry L. and William L. George E. died in infancy. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 720

COLUMBUS SICKELS was born November 21, 1830, in Scott County, Indiana, and lived there and in Washington County until 1848, when he settled in Scott County, and lived there until1860, when he moved to Little York, in Washington County, and engaged in the mercantile business until 1863. He then moved to Scott County again, and engaged in farming and the huckstering business until about 1874, when he moved to Tampico, Jack-son County, and there engaged in merchandising until 1882. In the latter year he moved to Seymour, and from there to Bartholomew County, living a short time at each place, and in 1883 he moved to Carr Township, where he now lives. He is engaged in farming and the lumber trade, where he owns 160 acres of well-improved land and a splendid saw-mill. He is engaged in what is known as the manufacture of "oil barrel heading." Mr.Sickels is the third of a family of eight children born to Henry H. and Hannah (Rude) Sickels, the former being of German descent, from Pennsylvania, and the latter from Ohio. He was married April 30, 1850, to Nancy M. Sutton, who was born in Scott County in 1828, and is the, daughter of Zackias and Susan Sutton. To them have been born nine children: George E. (de-ceased), Susan H., Missouri A., Barbara J., Sarah A. (deceased),John H. and one other (deceased), Nancy R. and Ora A. Mr.Sickels was a Democrat until 1860, when he became a Republican. He is a man of intelligence and public spirit. History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 642 - 643

MORSE B. SINGER was born in 1838 in Miami County, Ohio. He is the fourth child of a family of eight born to Christopher W. and Mary (Brown) Singer. Christopher Singer was born in Germany, and his companion in Rhode Island, and came in an early day to Ohio, where they were married. Morse B. spent his early life on a farm, although his father was for many years a merchant in Troy, Ohio. He chose farming and stock raising as his calling, which he has prosecuted successfully, too. He is about the largest land owner in Driftwood Township, owning 1,230acres of land. He came to Jackson County in 1856. In addition to his successful career as a farmer, he has also been trustee two terms. In 1861 he was married to Paulina Burchem, daughter of James Burchem, of Washington County. He lost his companion in 1874 by death. To them were born seven children: Albert, Clarence, James, Ola (deceased), Edith and Paulina. On the 27th of September, 1879, he was again married to Miss Solma Sontag, daughter of Morris Sontag. To this union have been born five children: Emma, Myra, Morse B. and two infants(deceased). Mr. Singer is a Republican in politics, and is among the most popular men in his township, as well as the most intelligent kind of farmers in the county. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 654

HENRY J. SMITH, of Seymour, is a native of Clarke County, Indiana, and was born June 6, 1842. His parents were William T. and Sarah (Wiseman) Smith, both natives of Kentucky. Henry's education is only such as the common schools of his time afforded. At the age of fifteen he began the saw-mill business, an occupation that he has followed most of his life. In 1858 he went to Louisville and remained for two years. He enlisted early in the war in the Forty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until September, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During his term of service he was engaged in the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Port Gibson, besides a number of skirmishes. At the close of the war he returned to Louisville and remained until 1867. He then moved to Austin, in Scott Co., Indiana, still pursuing the saw-mill business. Four years later he moved to Jackson County and located at Chestnut Ridge. From there in 1880 he came to Seymour, where he owns a mill. In addition to this he controls a mill at Austin and one in Kentucky. June 3, 1866, Martha E. Louis became his wife. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 721

JAMES SMITH, a well-known farmer of Salt Creek Town-ship, was born in Belmont County July 1, 1830, and is the third son of Thomas G. and Mary (Simpson) Smith, natives of Mary-land and Virginia, of Dutch and Irish extraction. His education was limited to the common country schools. He was raised a farmer, an occupation he has followed successfully all his life. April 18, 1850, he was married to Sarah A. Burcher, of the same county. To them have been born four children: Thomas J. (deceased), John M., Mary A. and Emily B. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixty-second Regiment, Ohio Infantry. He was in the battles of Winchester, Cross Keys and was with McClellan in his seven days' fight near Richmond. He was discharged on account of physical disability. On his return home he continued farming in Ohio until 1876, when he came to Salt Creek Township. He has followed farming since then and is now a member of the G. A. R. His politics are Republican. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 747

HIRAM SPRAGUE, a prominent citizen of Salt Creek Township, and one of the reliable teachers of the county, was born in Marion County, Ohio, October 7, 1834. His parents, John and Mary (Taylor) Sprague, were both of Belmont County, Ohio, and of Irish-Dutch extraction. Hiram was reared on the farm and received sufficient education at home and in the common schools to enable him to teach. This he began at the age of twenty-six, and after teaching six winters he came to Indiana. He is now living on the same farm entered by his father in 1851. After coming here he continued teaching and has now taught fourteen schools in this State. April 16, 1870, he married Mary A. Lloyd, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio. Their two children are named John O. and George C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sprague are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he is now one of the trustees. He is a Democrat and one of the most highly respected men of Salt Creek Township. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 746

JOHN STAUDT is a native of Prussia. He is a son of M.and Katrina (Mersche) Staudt. His father was a farmer and slate miner. Mathias Staudt and Katrina Mersche were married May 20, 1821. Nine children were born to this union - seven boys and two girls. This happy couple, after half a century of wedded bliss, celebrated their golden wedding in Seymour, May 20, 1871.However; most of their lives were spent in the dear old father-land. They immigrated to America in 1864, to meet their son, who had preceded them eleven years. John Staudt was born April 5, 1828, in Prussia. His early occupation was that of a farmer and slate miner. His education was obtained in the village school of his neighborhood. Becoming dissatisfied with the meager advantages offered a poor man for advancement in his native land, he immigrated to America in 1852. He settled in Jackson County in the latter part of 1853, his occupation at this time being that of a common laborer. He was married in 1856, to Ursula Zimmer. Three children blessed this union, only one of whom is living, G. M. Staudt, who is now a machinist and engineer of the new fire engine of Seymour. John Staudt, the subject of this sketch, served three years in the German Army, in the body-guard of the First Uhlan Regiment of Potsdam. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F., for twenty years, and has occupied the position of councilman of Seymour two years. He was chief of the fire department of the city of Seymour for years, which position he resigned in April, 1875, owing to a contemplated trip to Europe, which country he visited, departing with his wife and son, April 27, 1875. The trip was taken for the benefit of his wife's failing health. He paid an extended visit to his native town of Bruchied Rhine, Province of Prussia. John Staudt celebrated his silver wedding May 28, 1881, in Seymour. He was in the employ of the Ohio& Mississippi Railroad, dating from 1853. He has been president of the Building and Loan Association of Seymour for two years. He is in the retail liquor trade near the junction of the Ohio & Mississippi, and Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroads. His father died in 1872, after a residence in Seymour of seven years and four months. His mother died one year later. They belonged to the Catholic Church. Mr. Staudt is also a member of the same church. In politics he is a Democrat. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 721 – 722

DR. JOSEPH STILWELL, Brownstown, is a native of Jackson County, Indiana, where he was born April 11, 1831. He is the fourth born to Charles W. and Hannah (Beggs) Stilwell, natives of Henry County, Kentucky., and Clark County, Indiana, respectively. The parents were farmers by occupation. The former died in1836 and the latter in the seventy-sixth year of her age. Our subject’s early life was passed on his father's farm, and attending school in the old log house in Carr Township. In 185556 he attended the Louisville Medical College, and in 1857 he began the practice of medicine. In August, 1861, he was commissioned as physician and surgeon in the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which position he creditably filled until the close of the Rebellion. In 1866 he attended the medical college at Cincinnati, from which he graduated, then returned to Brownstown and resumed practice, and in this connection does large and extensive drug business. He has served as president of the Jackson County Medical Society, is member of the Mitchell and the State Medical Societies, also member of the State Pharmaceutical and National Drug Association, and has served a number of years as pension examiner. In 1860 he married Julia Worth, a native of Indiana. By this marriage there are three children living: Maria, Katie and Anna. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Republican. He stands high in his profession, and has a large and lucrative practice. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 627

JOHN STOUT, livery and feed stable, Seymour, Indiana was born in Morgan County, Indiana, March 8, 1838. He is the sixth of eight children born to Aaron and Sarah (Shannan) Stout. Aaron Stout married in Kentucky and came to Morgan County, Indiana, in about 1820. He was an educated man and could speak seven languages. He was a sailor on the lakes for fourteen years, and was in the war of 1812. He practiced law in Morgan County. The latter part of his life was spent in farming. He was drowned at Rockford, Indiana in 1848. His wife died in 1858. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm and attending the common schools in his native county. After the death of his father he went to live with his uncle, and at the age of fifteen he went to Missouri and clerked in a grocery. He worked at various occupations till the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served fourteen months, when he was discharged on account of disability. After coming back to Indiana he followed farming for a time, then embarked in the livery business at Brownstown for seven years, and for the last four years he has been engaged in the livery business at Seymour. He is now living with his fifth wife. In 1863 he married Caroline Able. One child was born to this union, George. This wife died in 1866. His fourth marriage was Hannah Winscott, who bore him four children, of whom two are living: John W. and Leo C. His fourth wife died in 1874. He then took for his fifth wife Melinda, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Bedel) McDonald, of Jack-son County. Mr. Stout is a Democrat in politics. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 722 - 723

WILLIAM J. SWEANY, of Jackson Township, is the eldest of eleven children of Jairus and Harriet (nee Robinson) Sweany. His father, a farmer, was born in east Tennessee, on Last River, in 1803, and came to this county at the age of eleven years. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born July 26, 1826, in this county, and his early life, both at home and at school, was passed in the log cabin, with broad fire-place and puncheon floor, and his youth was inured to the heavy work of cutting down the trees of the dense forest, clearing the ground and following agricultural pursuits. During his life here he has been honored with public official trusts, as assessor of Jackson County, supervisor of roads for his section, etc. He is a member of the P. of H., and in his political principles a Democrat. Mr. Sweany was married on the 1st of August, 1850, to Annis S. Adams, and of their seven children only three are now living: Louisa, James and Thomas J. Mrs. Sweany died January 27, 1865. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 723

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