Jackson County Indiana Biographies

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ANNA M. BARD, nee Shutys, is a native of Burlington County, N. Y. She was born April 20, 1815, being the second daughter of John and Sarah Shutys. On the 22d of February, 1835, she married Joel J. Bard, a native of New York. In 1855she and her husband came to Indiana, and located in Jefferson County. In 1861 she moved to Jackson County, where she still resides. To them have been born nine children, of whom seven are still living. They are Esther A., George W., Thomas S., Sarah M., Emma H., Zebedee J. and Ida M. Thomas S. is a physician in Union Township. Zebedee J. was born October 18, 1862. He received a common school education, and June 13, 1877, married Mary A. Powell, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Anna Bard is a member of the Methodist Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 749 - 750

DR. GEORGE O. BARNES, of Cortland, was born in Jennings County, Ind., February 5, 1840, being the third son of Woodford and Elizabeth (nee Barnes) Barnes, both natives of Kentucky. He was educated at the typical log schoolhouse and at a graded school. In 1863 he attended a select school a Seymour, this county. At the age of twenty-two he began teaching, and followed that vocation during the winters of 1862-63-64, in the meantime studying medicine, which he had commenced in 1861, under the preceptorship of Dr. Bane, at Reddington; and in 1864-65 he attended the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and subsequently the Miami College, at Cincinnati, since which time he has prosecuted his chosen profession at Cortland, this county, with signal success. except the winter of 1875-76, when he was in attendance again at the Miami institution, whence in March, 1876, he received his degree of M. D. The Doctor has been more or less identified with the interests of Jackson County all his life. October 16, 1870, Dr. Barnes was united in marriage with Mrs. Emma Wilson, nee Isaacs. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 662

VINCENT L. BEEM was born September 14, 1827, in Carr Township, Jackson Co., Ind., about one mile from Medora, where he now lives. He is the sixth of a family of ten children born to Michael and Mary (Lockman) Beem, who were among the early pioneers of Jackson County, having come to Indiana Territory, then a wilderness, in 1811 and 1813, respectively. Michael Beem was one of the leaders of the new settlers in their defense against the depredations of the vicious red man. They fought the Indians, hunted the game and cleared away the dense forest for our present farmers. Vincent L. was born and raised on a farm, and when he began life for himself he adopted farming as his occupation, which he had followed until 1875 or 1876, when he moved to Medora. He there engaged in the hardware and hotel business, which he still follows successfully. He has been justice of the peace four years since he lived in Medora, which office he filled with satisfaction. He is owner and proprietor of the "Beem House," the leading house in the place. In 1852 he was married to Tabitha A. Muden, of Salem, Washington Co., Ind., and is now in his fifty-seventh year. To them have been born six children: Mary F., Surrin D., Maud 0., Willard B., Vivian and one dying in infancy. Mr. Beem has always been enterprising and interested in the society in which he has lived. He has been a member of the Christian Church sixteen years. He is also a Democrat in politics. History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 630

GEORGE W. BEEM was born in Brownstown Township, December 17, 1816, and is the eldest child of Michael and Polly(Lockman) Beem, who came to Jackson County in 1811 and1813, respectively. They came from Kentucky, and cast their lot in the then new county, where George W. has lived all his life, and is now among the leading men, socially and otherwise, in Jackson County. He has devoted his time to farming and stock raising, and now owns 198 acres of land in the White River bottoms, in Carr Township, most of which is under improvement. He was married, November 8, 1838, to Polly Goss, daughter of Joseph Goss, of Owen Township, one of the early settlers in that township. They have had born to them nine children: Michael (de-ceased), Joseph, Caroline (deceased), Dorkes, Sarah, (deceased),Jonas, William, Ida and Dilla. Mr. Beem is a Democrat in politics, and is nearly "three score and ten," and is distinguished for having lived a straightforward and upright life, which is a heritage more valuable than wealth. To such men more than to any others the present generation implicitly look for moral principles and teachings. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 630 - 631

GEORGE W. BEEZLEY, one of the leading farmers and citizens of Carr Township, was born March 7, 1827, in Lawrence County, Ind. His parents were Isaiah and Sally (Mullen) Beezley, who came to Indiana from North Carolina and Kentucky about 1814. George was the eldest of a family of five, and was raised on a farm, which was congenial to his taste, and he became a farmer accordingly, and now owns 327 acres of land. He is one of the many American citizens who have succeeded by dint of hard labor and frugality, which is the only sure road for the honest farmer. In 1849 he was married to Mary A. Plummer, daughter of Thomson J. Plummer; she died, leaving two children: Silas W. and William N. In 1857 he was again married to Rebecca A. Reed, daughter of John Reed, of Lawrence County. To this union there were born five children: Susan C., Thomas B., John I., Clarinda Ida and an infant. Losing his second companion, he again married, in 1869,a Miss Eliza R. Breckenridge, of Lawrence County, Ind., who was a native of Kentucky, but, together with her parents, came to Indiana in an early day. Mr. Beezley is a member of the Christian Church, and is a Democrat in politics. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 631

REV. WALTER BENTON, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Brownstown, was born near Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 7, 1799. His father and mother, David and Sarah Benton, raised a family of seven children: Henry, George, Walter, William, Norman, Sarah and Mary. In April, 1819, Mr. David Benton, with his family, left Olean, N. Y., for the then “far West," sailing down the Alleghany and Ohio Rivers, landing near Charlestown and locating at Brownstown, this county. The next year young Walter returned to New York on horseback, making the trip of 650 miles in twenty-one days, in order to make some collections. He came back to Indiana, and near the close of the same year (1820) he made another trip to New York on horseback, and married Miss Elizabeth Coe. Returning to their Western home Mrs. Benton soon died, leaving one son Albert. In 1824 Mr. Benton married Mrs. Hettie Banks, nee Vermilya, and by this marriage were nine children: George, John, Wilbur, Charles, Asbury, Walter, Phebe, Kate and Eva. Their mother died November 6, 1875, and the following year Mr. Benton married Mrs. Mary J. Daly, daughter of John and Nancy Reese. Mr. Benton has now passed a life of half a century as a Methodist minister of the gospel, true to his calling, and considerably more than that time as a resident of this county. He and his brother William are the only inhabitants now living who resided in Brownstown as early as 1819 or 1820. In 1826 our, subject was elected and commissioned lieutenant colonel of militia, was postmaster eight or ten years, was circuit court clerk and county recorder 183845, and has been generally successful in his business undertakings and honorable in them all, as well as capable and faithful in the discharge of his public duties. He has also been prominent in the cause of temperance, being a delegate to the State and National Grand Lodges of the Good Templar order; and he has visited many jails and State prisons on his holy mission from which sprung up a correspondence obliging him at one time to write as many as 300 letters in one year. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 604 605

JAMES BLAIR, a prominent citizen of Jackson Township, is the ninth in order of birth in the family of James and Delilah (Johnson) Blair. His father was a native of Kentucky, and immigrated to this State in 1816; and John Blair, grandfather of our subject, located in Indiana very early in this century. Being a man of considerable education and influence, hospitable in disposition and a justice of the peace, his residence was a favorite place for the gathering of the people of the neighborhood. James Blair, Sr., had ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Some years previous to the war of the Rebellion, he was honored by an election to the office of county commissioner. James Blair, Jr., whose name heads this sketch, was born October 6, 1837, in Jackson County, Ind., and passed his boy-hood upon the farm and at the common schools, where he acquired the rudiments of an education. During his life he has been for three years a member of the State militia, and in the late war he participated in the pursuit of John Morgan, the noted guerrilla. On the 29th of January, 1871, Mr. Blair was married to Amanda E. Thompson, a native of this county, but of Irish ex-traction; her parents, however, were natives of Washington County, Md. Of the three children born by this marriage, Reova R. and J. Robbie are living. In his political views Mr. Blair is a Democrat, and in religion a Baptist, while his wife belongs to the Christian Church. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 674 - 675

JOHN H. BLISH is a native of Woodstock, Vt., and was born April 21, 1822. He was one of a family of eight children born to John and M. (Walis) Blish. He received a liberal education, and graduated from Newberry Academy, Vermont. Having a strong predilection for mathematics, he deter-mined to gratify the bent of his mind, and studied civil engineering. He was later employed in this capacity by the Rutland &Burlington Railroad. He severed his connection with this line, and while en route to California in 1849, stopped off at Jeffersonville, Ind., while the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad was being built. Learning of his abilities, the company tendered him a position as civil engineer, which he accepted. He served the road in this capacity for several years. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Sarah Shields, daughter of Meedy Shields, mention of whom is made elsewhere. John Blish was the founder of the Old Reliable Mill, recently burned, and is vice-president of the First National Bank of Seymour, and is identified with several local enterprises, but has practically retired from active business life, leaving the management of his affairs to his sons, Meedy S. and Tipton. Mrs. Blish is a descendant of the old pioneer stock of Jackson County, and is a well-preserved lady of middle age, of great native ability, and very conversant with the history of her section. They are the parents of five children: Meedy, Emma, John, Lucy and Tipton. John, the third son, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, of the class of 1879. After taking a two-years' cruise he was made a member of the faculty, occupying the chair of electricity and chemistry. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 675

JOHN B. BLUNT, a native of Vernon Township. Jackson County was born on the 21st of August, 1857. He was the youngest son of David and Martha E. (Webb) Blunt, natives of Washington and Clark Counties, respectively. David Blunt, deceased, came to this county about fifty years ago, and gave his attention exclusively to farming. He died April 4, 1876. By the death of his father John B. was compelled to leave school, and thus his education is limited. He married Edorcas A. Mayfield, a native of Washington County. To them have been born four children, three of whom are living: Clyde A., James E. and an infant. In politics he is a Democrat, and as a man of business he possesses those qualities of common sense and perseverance which are the characteristic qualifications of the successful men in the State. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 749 - 750

JOHN F. BOTTORFF, a leading farmer of Hamilton Town-ship, is a native of Clark County, Ind., where his birth occurred July 23, 1834. His parents were Jacob and Nancy (Nugent) Bottorff, also natives of Clark County, of whom he was the second son. At the age of twelve he came to Jackson and located in Hamilton Township. His education was acquired in the primitive school of his times. His whole life was spent upon a farm, where he has been more than ordinarily successful. March 6, 1864, his marriage with Matilda Vun Cannon was solemnized. Mrs. Bottorff is a native of Golconda, Ill., and came to Jackson County when quite small. This union has been blessed with two children, named Calvin M. and William F. Politically Mr. Bottorff is a Democrat, and has been assessor, and has held the office of township trustee, and in each case served to the entire satisfaction of the people. He is an honest and upright citizen, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 663 - 664

BOTTORFF, Oscar Bert, real estate; born Jackson Co., Ind., Sept. 28, 1880; son of Thomas J. and Olive (Roberts) Bottorff; educated Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., graduating with degree of A.B., 1903; unmarried. Began active career as principal Flora High School, Flora, Ind., 1903, in which position continued for one year; then principal Seymour (Ind.) High School, 1904-06; instructor Central High School, St. Louis, 1906-07; gave up teaching and engaged as salesman for Nicholls-Ritter Realty and Financial Co., 1907-08; in business on own account since 1908 as Bottorff Realty Co., operating in real estate, insurance and also as financial agent. Democrat. Presbyterian. Mason; member Tuscan Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Kilwinning Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. Club: Business Circle. Recreations: fishing, horseback riding, tennis. Office: 4914 Delmar Boul. Residence: Kenwood Springs, Mo.
(Source: The Book of St. Louisans, Publ. 1912. Transcribed by Charlotte Slater)

WILLIAM BOWMAN is a native of Salt Creek Township, where he now resides, and was born August 30, 1842. He is the eldest son of Daniel and Sarah (Allman) Bowman, natives of North Carolina, and of Dutch descent. The primitive schools of his time afforded but limited opportunities for education. His nuptials with Nancy J. Martin, of Washington County, were celebrated January 22, 1860. Two children were born to them: Mary E., who died in 1885, in her twenty-third year, and John M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are among the leading members of the Christian Church. He has espoused the principles of the Democratic Party, and has held several township offices. His father, Daniel, one of the pioneers of the county, died July. 30, 1882. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 737 – 738

BOYATT & BOYATT, pension attorneys, Brownstown. The individual members of this firm are William L. and Thomas B., natives of Jackson County, the former being born April 23, 1844, the latter September 3, 1839. Their parents are Jordan and Sally (Owen) Boyatt, the former born in 1807, his wife in 1810.He came to Jackson County in about the year 1828, where he married and settled on a farm in Owen Township. They were well respected citizens. Their deaths occurred in the year 1871.There were born to them five children: Elizabeth, wife of W. A. White, Davenport, Neb.; Sally, deceased wife of A. Prather; Nancy, widow of Edmond Rice, resides in Worth County, Mo., and our subjects. William L. was raised on his father's farm, receiving the advantages of a good education. He taught school for several terms. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served four months, after which he enrolled Company F, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned first lieutenant. He also served as adjutant, returning January 21, 1866, to Clearspring where he engaged in the mercantile business, was appointed postmaster, served two terms, was assessor of the township and also took the census of 1880. He began his present business in 1875. In 1882 came to Brownstown, served as deputy clerk for a time; is a Mason and Odd Fellow. In 1868 he married Lizzie Vawter; has two children by this marriage, Mahlon and Everett. Mrs. Boyatt died in 1871. He took for his second wife, in 1873, Mary E. Faubion, by whom he has had the following children: Edwin, Daisy, Lena and Anna. Thomas B. went out as a private in September, 1861, in Company B, Fiftieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry serving in this capacity until September, 1865. He was promoted to second lieutenant, then to first lieutenant, then to captain, and was mustered out as lieutenant colonel. He was a brave soldier and an efficient officer, taking part in all the battles with the regiment. In 1883 he became a partner with his brother in his present business. He was married, in 1868, to Sally R. Beem. Three children were born to them: Charles C., Ina and Lynn. He is a Mason and Odd Fellow. Both members of the firm are active Democrats. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 605 606

ABRAHAM BRANAMAN, of Owen Township, is the fourth son of Abraham and Susan (Kindred) Branaman. His birth occurred September 29, 1857, in Jackson County, where his home has always been. His father was one of the pioneers of the county, and in his boyhood days remembers Salem as the nearest milling place, twenty-five miles away. His early school advantages were only such as the rude log house, with slab benches, afforded. In the absence of window-glass paper was used, and that generally greased, to make it both more durable and serviceable. He worked for a time at the stone-mason's trade and acquired considerable skill in that trade. He is a Mason and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, who was a native of Kentucky, named Juliet McDade, is a member of the Methodist Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 728

J. W. BRANAMAN, farmer, was the seventh in order of birth in the family of Christian and Mary S. Branaman, and was born November 15, 1850. He acquired the rudiments of an education at the district school, and his occupation has ever been that of a farmer. His farm, comprising 190 acres, borders upon the village of Clear Spring. December 25, 1878, he married E. V. Bain, and this matrimonial union has been crowned with the birth of two children, whose names are Ruth and Blanche. Mr. Branaman has been identified with the Democratic Party, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Seymour. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 728

WILLIAM BROCKER, farmer, is a native of this county, where he was born December 8, 1853, the only son of Jacob and Eunice (Mitchell) Brocker. His father was born in the State of Ohio, and his mother in this State, and they were among the first settlers in Jackson County. Reared upon a farm, and educated in the district school, Mr. Brocker has always been occupied in agricultural pursuits. He was married on the 15th of February, in the year 1874, to Josephine Findley, who also is a native of Jackson County, and only three of their six children are living, namely: Georgie, Mary and Claudie. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 663

FRANK BRODHECKER, deputy treasurer, was born two miles east of Brownstown, December 9, 1858. He is a son of Conrad and Annie C. (Heller) Brodhecker who were of German descent and among the early settlers of this county. Our subject received a good education, after finishing which he remained upon the farm until twenty-two years of age. He then taught school for four winters, and in January, 1879, came to Brownstown to reside, having been appointed deputy treasurer. In the month of October, 1878, he married Miss Mary A. Doerr, daughter of George and Catherine Doerr. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brodhecker: Mary B., Cora and an infant. Mr. Brodhecker is a member of K. of P., and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county. He is an active Democrat and as such has rendered valuable service to his party. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 606

DANIEL H. BROWN, a native of Jackson County, was born November 9, 1825. He was the eldest of nine children born to Jesse and Sarah W. (Stryker) Brown, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of New Jersey. The parents immigrated to Indiana in the year 1819, and settled near Rockford, afterward removing to Brownstown, where the subject of this sketch was reared. He received his early education in the schools of Brownstown and vicinity. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to William C. Durland, a carpenter. After his term of apprenticeship he continued to follow his trade in Jackson County until 1876, at which time he became an extensive correspondent for several years, at which business he is still engaged, being city editor of the Seymour Daily Republican. Mr. Brown was elected coroner in 1878, to which office he has been three times reelected, always filling the office acceptably and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Brown was married, January, 1849, to Miss Lucinda Jacobs, and to this union five children were born, three of whom are now living: Emmons, Ella and Lura. Mr. Brown and wife are old and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Brown is a Democrat, though in that, as in everything else, he is conservative. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 676 – 677

JACOB BROWN, farmer, is a native of Harrison County, Ind., being born on the 15th of October, 1813, in the town of Laconia. His father, of the same name, was born in North Carolina, and his mother, nee Margaret Lux, was a native of Kentucky. Most of his education he received after he grew up to manhood. He was an industrious toiler upon the farm until be was nineteen years of age, when he engaged in flat-boating to New Orleans, making fifteen trips in as many years. After the first two trips he had to walk home from Louisville. For many years now he has been a successful farmer, and he is one of the oldest native residents of the county. Jackson County has always been his home. Ever since 1838 he has been identified with the Christian Church, as have also his family since they have respectively arrived at the age of responsibility. In politics he is a Democrat, having cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson. September 7, 1837, is the date of Mr. Brown's marriage to Lydia M. Day, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and to them three children have been born: Eliza J., Elias D., and George R. - all living near him. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 663

HON. JASON B. BROWN was born February 26, 1839, in Dearborn County, Ind., and is a son of Robert D. Brown, a lawyer of ability, and at one time State librarian, who is still living. His mother, Mary Hubbard Brown, died when he was but nine months old. Both were devout Methodists. The subject of this sketch obtained the rudiments of his education at Wilmington, and upon leaving school spent one year in a dry goods store at Maysville, Ky., and then went to Indianapolis, where he entered, as a student, the office of the Hon. Cyrus Dunham, at that time Secretary of State. He was admitted to the bar in February, 1860, and immediately engaged in the practice of his profession at Brownstown, Jackson Co., Ind. March 5, 1866, on motion of Hon. Jeremiah S. Black, of Pennsylvania, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1862 he was elected to the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1864. In1868 he was one of the Democratic electors for the State at large. In 1870 he represented his district in the State Senate. On the26th of March, 1873, he was appointed secretary of the Territory of Wyoming, which position he held until his resignation, May 1, 1875. During that time he was elected to assist in the prosecution of Peter P. Wintermute, at Yankton, Dakota, for the murder of Gen. Edwin S. McCook. For the masterly argument made in behalf of the people in this celebrated case, Mr. Brown received the encomiums of the entire legal fraternity, of the press, and of the people. From that time he was acknowledged as one of the leading members of the bar in the West. On his return from the West Mr. Brown settled at Seymour, in the year 1875, and married Anna E. Shiel. In 1862 he became known in Indiana politics, and to-day is a prominent member of the Democratic party of the State, and is widely known else-where. During the campaign in Ohio between Brough and Vallandigham, he stumped that State in the interest of the Democratic Party. He has always been a strong supporter of the principles of Democracy, but was not a supporter of Horace Greeley, as he considered this nomination inconsistent with his views as a Democrat. Mr. Brown is well known all over the country, and as one of the leading members of the Indiana bar is constantly engaged on important cases. He is especially successful in criminal cases, in which he has few equals. He is much esteemed by those who know him. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 675 – 676

JOHN W. BROWN, a merchant of Houston, was born in Salt Creek Township, March 1, 1860. His parents were natives of the same township, and named Thomas and Lean (Cornett) Brown. John is the oldest living son. He received a good education in the common schools and at the Clear Spring Academy. He was raised on the farm, where his time was mostly spent until the fall of 1884, when he began doing a general merchandise trade at Houston. By his enterprise he is rapidly building up an extensive trade. His marriage with Mary J. Bowman was solemnized January 16, 1880. Their only child is named Ova. January 24, 1884, he was grieved by his wife's death. He is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in public affairs. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 738

ANDREW G. BRUNN, a native of Baden, Germany, and a resident of Salt Creek Township, was born March 28, 1838. In1857, at the age of nineteen, he embarked for America, and in August, of that year, landed at New York. From there he proceeded directly to Brownstown, in Jackson County, where heat once secured work at his trade, that of a shoe-maker. He remained there until 1864, when he entered the army, and served until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and others. Upon his return he resumed his trade in Brownstown, and worked there until 1885, when he moved to this portion of the county. In 1860 he married Maggie Reed, who bore him two children: Charles and John. She died in 1866, from consumption, and the following year he was married to Susan Marsh, of this county. The result of this union was two children: Laura and Florence. In 1876 Mr.Brunn again mourned a wife's death. In the same year Phoebe C. Callallan became his third wife. They are the parents of three children: Jacob E. Alpha E. and Cora. Mr. Brunn is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, and one of the industrious men of his community. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 738 - 739

JOSEPH BURKE is a native of Ireland, and is a son of Michael and Easter (Laughlin) Burke. He was born in March, 1833. Seeking to improve his condition, he immigrated to America in 1847, when he settled at New Orleans. His early school advantages were very good, having attended the public schools of that city. At the age of fifteen with his parents he removed to Cincinnati, where he attended school for a short time. Shortly before his majority he began burning lime on Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, in which employment he continued for four years. In the spring of the year 1853, he began work on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, in the repair department of the shops, in which employment he has since continued. He removed to Seymour in1855, when the line was only completed to that point. He was first married to Anna Carroll. Nine children have been born to this union, five only of whom are living: Thomas, Joseph, Oliver, John and Anna. Mrs. Burke died twelve years ago. He then married Martha Davis. Three children blessed this union, only one of whom is living, James. Mrs. Burke died in 1879.He remarried to Sarah Scoby, who is a native of Ireland. Three children were born to this union: William, Mary and Charley. He is a member of the Catholic Church. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 677 – 678

BARTHOLOMEW H. BURRELL, attorney at Brownstown, was born in Jackson County, Ind., March 13, 1841, and is the second son of John H. and Mary (Findley) Burrell. His father, a well-known and highly respected farmer, has been for years commissioner of Jackson County. He was a soldier in the Blackhawk war, and also captain of Company G, Fifth Indiana Regiment, in the late civil war. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind., having borrowed the money to carry him through a collegiate course, which he promptly repaid from his first earnings after graduation. He graduated from the scientific department in 1864, then taught school, employing his leisure time in the study of the law with Judge Frank Emerson. Having thus paved the way for the completion of his studies, he returned to the State University, where he graduated from the law department in 1866. Upon his admission to the bar he commenced the practice in partnership with Judge Emerson. In 1876 he was elected State senator for four years. He has been and is an active member of the Democratic Party. He has been chairman of the Democratic Central Committee. He has been many times a delegate in the State conventions, and by reason of his ability and energy has come to be regarded as, one of the pillars of Democracy, and one of the rising men of his party in the county. Mr. Burrell is an active and useful member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married, in October, 1864, to Maggie F. Throop, of Bloomington, Ind., by whom he has had three children, but only one daughter is now living. As a politician Mr. Burrell is a model organizer and a natural leader among his fellows, and as a lawyer he is a man of ability. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 606 607

JOHN H. BURRELL, farmer, Brownstown, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, March 6, 1814. He is the only one now living born to Reuben and Lucinda (Hanners) Burrell. The former a native of Virginia, the latter a native of North Carolina. They were married in Ohio and came to what is now Jackson County, in 1815, and lived one year in a "fort." Mr. Burrell then took a squatter's claim near Vallonia, made some improvements on it and when it came into market was entered by some other party. He then took another claim with the same result; finally he secured a farm on the river bottom, on which he resided until his death, which occurred in about the year 1845, his wife dying in 1861. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. John H., the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm, and always farmed for his occupation. He was a soldier in the Blackhawk war, also in the war of the Rebellion. In 1862 he enrolled a company and was commissioned captain of a company in the Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving three months. He has served as county commissioner fourteen years and school trustee eight years. April 2, 1837, he married Mary Findley, daughter of Hugh A. and Rebecca (Coons) Findley, who were of German descent. They came from Clark County to Jackson County, Ind., in about 1818, where they resided until their deaths, the former dying January 22, 1880, his wife July 1, 1866. They were prominent citizens and highly respected by all. Mr. Burrell was born February 2, 1820. The following children have been born to them, Harrison, Bartholomew, Reuben, Hugh A., John B., Addie, Frank and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burrell have been members of the Presbyterian Church for over forty years. Mr. Burrell is a self-made man, beginning life as he did under very poor circumstances he has accumulated all his property by hard work and economy. He is an active Democrat. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 607 608

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