Jackson County Indiana Biographies

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DR. GRAFTON MANUEL, of Freetown, Jackson County, is a native of Ohio, and is the oldest son born to James and Jane (Stillwagon) Manuel. He is of Spanish descent and his ancestors took part in the war or 1812, perhaps in the Revolution. His early education was received in the common schools of Belmont, his native county, and later attended a select school. At the age of eighteen he went to Marshall County and began teaching. He was born August 12, 1834, and April 12, 1853, he married Elizabeth J. Logsdon, of Marshall County, W. Va. She bore him one child, named for the mother, and died April 10, 1854. In the same year he began studying medicine with Dr. Sam Griffith, of the same county. In 1857 he came to Jackson County and located at Freetown. In May, of that year, he married Elizabeth J. Acton, of this county, and they are the parents of seven children, all living. The Doctor has had quite an extensive practice in his profession and in addition to this has taught school some during the winter seasons. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a licensed local preacher. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 746

HIRAM W. MARLING is a native of Steuben County, N. Y. He was born May 24, 1807, being the second son of John and Margaret (Huss) Marling, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. He came West with his parents the same year in which Indiana was admitted to the Union, and located at Vevay. He remained there till he was nineteen, when he came to Jackson County and located in Vernon Township. His father built the first log cabin, and, as our subject thinks, brought the first white boy into the township. It is useless to speak of Mr. Marling's early education, not even the rude log schoolhouse having made its appearance. Indiana was in her infancy, and her stalwart men were too busily employed in providing food and shelter frothier children to give much attention to their intellectual requirements. However, he managed to acquire enough learning to read and write. February 25, 1830, he married Miss Jane McDonald, a native of Bourbon County, Ky. To them were born thirteen children, of whom four are living: Margaret, Zachariah, Alexander and Eliza. He has been trustee of the township one term, was connected with the Grange, and is a strong believer in the faith. Mr. Marling's first vote was cast for Jackson. He is now a Republican. He volunteered in the Eighty-second Indiana, and served in that regiment some four or five months. In his religious views he is liberal. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 754 - 755

WILLIAM K. MARSHAL is a native of Jefferson County, Indiana, and was born on the 12th of October, 1824. His parents, Thomas and Sarah (Kinnear) Marshal, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. He attended the common schools of his day, where he acquired knowledge of the common branches. At the age of twenty he entered Hanover College, where he continued for four years. When about half through the junior year he left college and began the study of law, by himself. He was admitted to the bar at Madison, in March, 1850. He continued the practice of his profession there one year, then removed to Lexington, Scott County, where he remained until 1864, when he located at Seymour, where he has built up a large practice, both in the circuit, supreme and federal courts. On the 1stday of November, 1854, he was married to Fidelia Childs, a native of Jefferson County, Ind. Seven children have blessed this union - six of whom are living: Alice, William D., Samuel W., Kittie and Grace. William K. Marshal held the position of treasurer of Scott County from 1856 to 1860. He has also been city attorney for Seymour for several terms. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Marshal com-bines a profound knowledge of the law with great skill and tact in the management of his cases that have made him very successful in the circuit, supreme and federal courts. In politics he is a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 701 – 702

JOHN W. MASSMAN was born July 21, 1857, in Seymour. His parents, Henry and Mary (Smersal) Massman, were natives of Germany. They were among the early pioneers of Cincinnati, Ohio. They removed to Jackson County in 1852. Henry Mass-man was a cooper by trade. He started a cooper shop soon after his arrival, then one of the very few industries of this sparsely settled section. He afterward engaged in the grocery business, having at that time one of the few stores of the kind in Seymour. There were nine children born to this couple. John W. Massman, the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in the common schools of Seymour. He has followed the vocation of a grocer from his boyhood. He attended commercial college two terms, and is now very proficient in this art, in which he takes considerable pride. He was married, October 7, 1880, to Maggie Langel. One child has been born to them. He is a member of the order of K. of P. He is at present engaged in the grocery business, on Chestnut Street, in Seymour. He is a member of the St. Paul's Protestant Church. His wife is a member of the same church. In politics he is a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 702

JOEL H. MATLOCK, deputy county auditor, Brownstown, was born in Jackson County, Ind., August 17,1847, and is the fourth child of a family of nine born to George and Betsey (Weddel) Matlock, natives of Tennessee. They came to Brownstown in their younger days. After marriage they lived in the western part of Jackson County, farming being Mr. Matlock's occupation. They were both prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. In 1878 they moved to Kansas, where they now reside. Joel H. passed his early life on his father’s farm, attending the schools of those days. In February, 1872.he was appointed deputy county clerk, served until 1880, since which time he has served as deputy auditor, thus making thirteen years or more spent in the employment of his native county. In the month of February, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served till January 8, 1866. His first battle was Resaca. He was with Sherman until after the battle of Atlanta; was also in the battle in front of Atlanta when Gen. McPherson was killed. He was in the battles at Nashville and at Franklin, and many other minor engagements. He went out as a private and was soon after appointed orderly sergeant. November 5, 1868, he married Mary A. Scott, a native of Ohio. There are five children living by this marriage: Cora Effie, Mary A., Grace, Price H., Bessie and Charles S. (deceased). Mr. Matlock is a Royal Arch member of the Masonic fraternity, also a charter member of the K. of P. from 1880 until 1884 he was on the Democratic Central Committee, and for the last two years has been chairman of that committee. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 619 - 620

THOMAS McCOLLUM is a native of Franklinton, Ohio, being the fourth child of five children born to Thomas and Sarah (Minter) McCollum, who were natives of South Carolina and Virginia respectively. The subject of this sketch was born July30, 1808, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. His father died when he was twelve years of age, throwing him upon his own resources, thus hampering his opportunities for the acquisition of an education. He and his mother afterward removed to Cincinnati, and later to Covington, Ky. He was a member of the first Sunday-school organized in Cincinnati, two ladies coming at that time who were the first to take an interest in the work. There was not a church in the town that would open its doors to them. The Christians at that time maintained that it was sacrilege to hold “school" on Sunday. They held their first meetings in an old dilapidated paint shop, and afterward in a brewery. There were twelve in the first class. He was one of the twelve. Mr. McCollum was married January 2, 1833, to Fanny C. Elsey, at Bethel, situated eight miles east of Indianapolis, born in Scott County, Ky. She has borne him six children: Sarah E., Rebecca J., John M., William M., Thomas A. and an infant deceased. In 1853 Mr. McCollum came to Jackson County and located at Seymour, where he kept the first hotel. Their oldest son is a lawyer in Idaho, and William a passenger conductor on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He has occupied the office of justice of the peace of Seymour eighteen years. Here signed this office in 1881. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ. After half a century of wedded bliss, they celebrated their golden wedding at the residence of their son-in-law, L. L. Shields, January 2, 1883. Mr. McCollum is a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, having cast his first vote for old Hickory in 1828. He is one of the oldest and most respected citizens in the county. The son, Thomas, has been deputy clerk, and is now candidate for clerk of the court subject to the Democratic convention. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 702 – 703

MISS LUCINDA MCCORMICK, a farmer of Brownstown Township, is the daughter of John and Rebecca (Finley) McCormick, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. John McCormick was prominent in the early settlement of Brownstown, having succeeded John Milroy as county agent, which position he held for many years. The subject of this sketch was born March 26, 1829 on the farm where she now resides. She understands all the practical part of farm work and successfully superintends the work of her own farm, which is a part of the old homestead where her father settled about the year 1812. Miss McCormick’s example has proved to the male portion of that community that women are not lacking that practical business sense which men have been slow to accord them. Miss McCormick was never married, having always preferred single life, in which situation she could hope to enjoy absolute independence. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 621 - 622

JAMES McCORY, of Owen Township, is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., and was born June 24, 1808, being the third son of Clement and Abigail (Mudge) McCory. The parents were also natives of New York and were of Scotch-Irish and Dutch descent. They came to Clarke County, Ind., in 1818, and remained there the balance of their lives. Mahala Scott, a native of Kentucky, born June 27, 1810, became his wife January 7, 1830. The result of this union is a family of nine children; only Elizabeth, Isabelle, Abigail and, Louisa now living. Mr. McCory has been a citizen of Jackson County about fifty years, and is now one of its oldest and most respected men. He lives on the land he first bought from the Government and which he has cleared. When he first located here the wolves were yet so thick that sheep had to be penned up nights for protection. His early education was limited, but by much reading he has acquired a good general knowledge. He has led a life of temperance, having never been drunk nor used tobacco in any form. He has always been a Democrat and voted for Jackson at his first term, to whom he was formally introduced on the steamer "Triton,"enroute to New Orleans. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCory are prominent members of the Christian Church and have been such for several years. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 729 - contributed by Darlene Anderson

JOHN R. McCOY, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of Owen Township, was born February 2, 1825, in Washington County, Ind. In that county his boyhood was spent, and his early occupation was that of a farmer. Since he came to Jackson County he has devoted most of his time to the ministry in the Baptist Church. His marriage with Mary Rasor occurred June 1, 1843. Nine children have been born to this union, of whom six are now living. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers as chaplain, where he served for two years, beginning in March, 1864. His life has been largely devoted to his pastoral duties, which he has con-ducted in a quiet and unobtrusive manner. Besides this he has taught a number of terms in the district schools, but these labor she has been compelled to abandon in later years on account of physical infirmity. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 729 – 730

WILLIAM N. McDONALD was the seventh child born to William and Elizabeth (Bedel) McDonald. His father, William McDonald, was a native of Kentucky, and was a farmer by occupation. Seeking to improve his condition, he removed to Indiana in 1823, and settled in Vernon Township, Jackson County, where the subject of this sketch was born, February 4, 1840. His early life was spent on a farm, and his early school opportunities were very meager. As he grew older he began to appreciate the advantages of an education, and with that tenacity of purpose and intense application to the matter in hand that has characterized all his later efforts, he soon possessed himself of the rudiments as taught in the common schools, after which he completed his studies in the high school of Seymour. He was married, June23, 1861, to Mary E. Williams, of Jennings County, Ind. Seven children have blessed this union, six of whom are living: Celia Rosa, Martha, William, Lena, Florence and Franklin; a son was killed by the cars November 24, 1884. Mr. McDonald engaged in the stave manufacturing business in 1866 in a small way, at a station on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad called Retreat; in 1875 removed to Seymour and formed a co-partner-ship with A. H. Gibson, of Madison, Ind. Their business has now assumed very large proportions. Besides the large factory at Seymour, that employs nearly one hundred men at the factory and in the woods, they control a large concern at Birdseye, on the New Albany & St. Louis Airline Railway. The factory at Seymour prepares the staves ready to set up in barrels. They have the latest improved machinery, and the annual product amounts to millions. The plant is located in the southern part of the city of Seymour, near the track of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railway. Upon a side track stands a line of cars constantly receiving and discharging staves. They receive staves from all lines tributary to the Ohio & Mississippi and Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railways, and many scores of men are either directly or indirectly dependent upon them. Mr. McDonald is a fine example of a self-made man -refined and courteous in his bearing, esteemed by all who know him. His example is worthy of emulation by every young man whose only "stock-in-trade" is brain and muscle. He is universally regarded as the busiest man in Seymour, and by his unremitting energy he has overcome almost every obstacle. He is a member of the F. & A. M. secret society, and in politics is a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 703 - 704

JOHN McDONALD, is of Scottish extraction. He was born October 14, 1833, in Jackson County near Seymour. He was almost entirely destitute of early school advantages, having never attended the common schools altogether more than three months, but by a system of self-culture he ultimately acquired a very good common school education. He was raised upon a farm. He was married, September 5, 1858, to Margaret Marling. She was a native of Jackson County. Seven children were born to this union, four of whom are living: Hiram E., Oliver S., John M. and George C. He varied his occupation upon the farm by teaching school in the winter. He taught fourteen terms of school. He began cutting stave timber sixteen years ago. He abandoned it for a while and tried farming again. About three years ago he embarked in the stave manufacturing business in Seymour. His business has grown very extensively. He now handles between 3,000,000 and 4,000,000 staves a year. His business is the result of his own prudence and thrift. His factory is situated in the southern part of the city, on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, contiguous to that of McDonald & Gibson. He also does quite an extensive business in heading, handling between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000heads a year. Mr. McDonald is one of the most enterprising citizens of Seymour, conducting a business that is a very important factor in the life and business of the city. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 704 - 705

DEDRICK MILLER, a citizen of Jackson Township, was born December 12, 1825, in Hanover, Germany, the sixth in a family of eight children born to Dedrick Miller, Sr., who was also a native of the same State and married a Miss Oelschlaeger. His father's occupation was that of a common laborer, and his early education was obtained in the common schools of his native land. In the year 1847 he emigrated from the land of oppression and poverty, to one of liberty, opportunity and plenty, the New World, coming direct to Jackson County; he has now been a resident of Jackson Township about twenty-five years. Mr. Miller was married, December 4, 1852, to Barbara Shepherd, and of that union three children were born, namely: William, George C. and one who died in infancy. For his second wife, Mr. Miller married Mary Kasting, August 7, 1856; she is also a native of Hanover, Germany. By this matrimonial union there have been ten children, six of whom are now living: Frederick Lewis, E. Frederick, Caroline E., M. Elizabeth, H. Edward and Catharine. The names of the deceased are Annie K., Louise E., Dedrick W, and John Henry. Mr. Miller is a Republican in his political principles and sympathies, and in religious matters his standing is denoted by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Miller is also a member of the same church. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 705

JOSEPH MILLER. (deceased), Brownstown, whose portrait appears in this volume, was born in Jackson County, October 25, 1819. He was a son of Adam and Susana (Settles) Miller, who were natives of Kentucky, and among the very first settlers of Jackson County. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. He was judge of Jackson County and held many other positions of trust; his death occurred in 1862 that of his widow in 1867.Joseph was a farmer by occupation. In about the year 1841 he married Caroline Goss, by whom he had one child, William A. His wife died in 1845, and in 1847 he was married again to Lydia Ireland, a native of Jackson County, and daughter of James and Sarah (Burnell) Ireland, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Ireland was born July 14,1788, his wife January 19,1788. They were married in Hamilton County, Ohio, in the year1808, and came to Jackson County in 1825. He took an active part in the Blackhawk war; was a farmer by occupation, and served as judge of the county and as county surveyor; was with Maj. Henry during the survey of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, when they were Territories. He died at Brownstown, January 16, 1864,his widow June 4, 1864. Our subject, Joseph Miller, was one of the successful farmers of the county. He was a prominent Mason and influential citizen. His death occurred February 22,1881. His widow and the following family survive him: Josephine E., Sarah A. (now Mrs. Benton), Ruby (now Mrs. Stillwell),James I., Joseph L., Lillie I. and Leolna. Mr. Miller was not a member of any church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 621

JOSEPH L. MILLER, farmer, Brownstown Township, was born in the county where he now resides November 21, 1860. He is the son of Joseph and Lydia (Ireland) Miller, who came to this county in an early day, and were among the rugged pioneers who laid the foundation for the present prosperity of the county. Our subject was married, April 22, 1881, to Miss Lillie L. Helton, an accomplished young lady, and a native of Lawrence County, Ind., born March 13, 1863. She is a daughter of John and Hettie (Ready) Helton, the former being a native of Lawrence County, Ind., born August 24, 1829, and died in Monroe County, Ind., January 28, 1864. Mrs. Helton is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born September 27, 1841, a daughter of John J. Ready, who was born in Georgia in 1801, and died in Monroe County in about the year 1862. Mr. Miller owns a good farm of 106 acres, pleasantly situated. He is a zealous Democrat in politics and the father of two children Robert C. and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Few are they who begin the voyage of life with such flattering prospects as this young couple; being supplied with all which tends to render life comfortable, and commanding the respect of a host of friends and neighbors. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 620

WILLIAM MILLER, deputy county recorder, Brownstown, was born in Jackson County, April 19, 1863, and is the son of Francis M. and Margaret E. (Mitchell) Miller. The Miller family is of German descent. The grandfather of our subject, Frederick Miller, took for his wife Rebecca Hunt, and with her came to Jackson County in an early day and settled near Vallonia, where he engaged in the milling business. Here he lived until his death, which occurred in about the year 1863, his widow surviving him until 1884. The father of our subject is now a resident of Brownstown, where he is engaged in the milling business. Our subject received his education in the schools of Brownstown, of which he is a graduate. In March, 1884, he was appointed deputy recorder, which position he has held ever since and fills with credit. He is a young man of excellent business qualities, and a bright and prosperous future is before him. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 620 - 621

GEORGE W. MITCHELL, one of the leading business men of Crothersville, is the fourth son of Richard and Harriet (Reed) Mitchell. He was born on a farm near Sellersburg, Clarke County, and August 29, 1849. His parents died when he was twelve years of age, but he continued upon the farm for several years after that. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and in these his education was obtained, with the exception of a course in book-keeping and te1egraphy in a commercial school at the age of eighteen. In the fall of 1869 he took a position as express messenger on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, between Louisville and Memphis. In the spring of 1871 he returned to Sellersburg and began the mercantile business. Two years later he came to Crothersville and became a partner with Harvey Rider in a general merchandise store: In May, 1876, he purchased Mr. Rider’s interest in the business, and has continued it alone up to the present time. He has done a successful business from the start, and has been one of the enterprising, go-ahead men of the place, his name being identified with all public affairs. Miss Mary E. McCurdy, of Clarke County, became his wife in May, 1874. The result of this union is a family of four children - three sons and one daughter: Clarence, Clyde, Pearl and Clifford. In 1877 he was appointed postmaster at Crothersville, a position he held for more than two years. As a Democrat he was elected trustee of his township in 1884. He is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O.O. F. and K. of P. secret societies. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 755

VICTOR HUGO MONROE, M. D., was born at old Rockford, Jackson County, August 8, 1852. His father was engaged in various newspaper enterprises. It was here that the subject of our sketch learned the business of the printer's art. He was engaged in this vocation until about the year 1871, when he began railroading as brakeman, and was promoted to the position of yard master at Seymour on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He began the study of medicine in the office of his father, who was a practicing physician of Seymour, attending lectures at the Louisville Medical College in 1878-79. He subsequently graduated at Indianapolis, where he took one course of lectures in1882. He has been engaged on several different papers in Seymour in an editorial and reportorial capacity, and was also the first editor and proprietor of the Seymour True Republican. He is at present engaged in the practice of his profession in Seymour, Ind. He is a prolific writer and a perfect gentleman. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 705 - 706

MISS MARY MOONEY is a native of Jackson County. She was born July 1, 1821, upon the present site of Rockford. She was the third born to James and Nancy (Shields) Mooney. They were natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively. They immigrated to Indiana upon pack-horses, when the State was one vast wilderness. She was a first cousin of the renowned Gen. Tip-ton. Miss Mooney removed to Seymour, when there were very few houses in the village, and has resided here ever since. She established the first millinery store in the town, and has continued in the business ever since. Miss Mooney has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church ever since her fifteenth year and has been a consistent member of the church and faithful Christian, all these years. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 706

CHARLES A. MOTSINGER, a druggist of Salt Creek Township, where he was born September 9, 1860, is a son of George W. and Mahala (White) Motsinger, natives of Washing-ton County. The education of Charles W. was obtained in the common schools and by attending one term at the Clear Spring Academy. He was reared on the farm where most of his life has been spent. He was born in the vicinity of Freetown and, with the exception of two years spent in the West, has always made his home in Salt Creek Township. September 13, 1885, he was married to Jennie Thompson, from Houston. In the fall of 1884 he began doing a drug trade which is increasing. Heis one of the rising young business men of Jackson County. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 746

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