Jackson County Indiana Biographies

If you have a Jackson County Biography you would like to share, please contact us.

GEORGE W. RAINS, physician and druggist, of Courtland, was born in Grant County, Ky., May 25, 1858. He was the second son born to John and Mahala Rains, also natives of Kentucky. His early schooling was good, he having received a literary education at Cynthiana, Ky., where he graduated in 1873.He then engaged in teaching in his native county, which he followed for three years, devoting all his leisure time to the study of medicine. He soon after entered the office of and received instruction from Prof. J. B. A. Risk, of Kentucky. In 1877 he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and the year following he came to Jackson and located, in the practice of his profession, at Spraytown. He remained there until the fall of 1882, when he came to Courtland, still continuing his practice. Two years later he embarked in the drug business, in which he carries a complete line and does a lucrative trade. On the 14th of September, 1876, Louisa Gossett became his wife. She, too, is a native of Grant County, Ky., and has borne him three children, of whom Stella and Omer are still living. The Doctor is a young man of energy and ability, which are the essential elements of success in any business. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 671

MILLS S. REEVES is a native of Brown County, Ohio. He was born near the town of Ripley, situated sixty miles east of Cincinnati. He was the first born to Ila and Franky (Stevenson) Reeves. His mother was a half sister of Col. Mills Stevenson, who built Fort Stevenson, which was so ably defended by Col. Croghan, in 1812, when it was attacked by the Indians, who fought for the British cause. Mr. Reeves' father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Delaware. They were early pioneers of Ohio. Mills S. Reeves, the subject of this sketch, spent the early years of his life upon a farm, in which neighborhood he attended the common district school of the times, attending only three months each winter. At the age of four- teen he immigrated with his parents to Indiana, where they settled in Rush County. The recently deserted Indian wigwams were still standing at that time. He remained upon the farm till the age of twenty-one, when he bound himself to a carpenter named Millburn Coe. He subsequently assisted Mr. Coe in building the first hotel in Marshal County. Returning to Rush County he was married, November 26, 1835, to Rosanna Mc-Laughlin, an orphan. Shortly after marriage he and his young bride moved to Missouri, where he farmed for about ten years. He then removed to Iowa, where he worked at his trade for ten years. He then removed to Nebraska, where he held the position of mayor of Kearney City, where now stands Nebraska. City. Mr. Reeves was subsequently elected justice of the peace, and also served three years in the Territorial Legislature, and one year as a member of the Senate after the organization of the State; then three years as treasurer of Otoe County, Neb. In 1870 he returned east, settling at Seymour. Seven children have been born: Minerva J., Matilda A., Ursula F., Columbus L., Louisa C., Ada A. and Oliver H. He has held the position of justice of the peace of Seymour for thirteen years. On the 26thof November, 1885, he celebrated his golden wedding, upon which occasion he was made the recipient of many valuable presents by his friends. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief a Universalist. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 711 -712

EMIL E. RETTIG was born March 28, 1854, on the present John R. Hamilton farm, adjoining Brownstown. His grand-father, Robert Cunningham, homesteaded said farm, coming from West Virginia, when his daughter, Elizabeth (mother of our subject), was about thirteen years of age. Edward Rettig, the father, was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, and highly educated for the ministry at Heidelberg University. He came to this country, and had charge of a church near Brownstown at the time he was married, in 1853. He subsequently became a chaplain in the regular army, and died at Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1856. Emil E. Rettig was on a farm most of the time until thirteen years of age. He attended school at the Miller School-house, also at Ewing and Brownstown, all in Brownstown Town-ship, and received a good common school education. In 1867 he became an apprentice to Mr. Henry M. Beadle, so well known as a publisher in this county, to learn the printer's trade. He subsequently worked for William Frysinger, in the Brownstown Banner office, and in 1871 went to New Albany, Ind., where Hon. M. C. Kerr secured him a situation on the Ledger. He next worked one year for Mr. A. A. Davison, on the Seymour Democrat. Still later he was employed in some of the largest and best printing offices of Cincinnati, Ohio, Indianapolis, Lafayette, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and in 1875 on the Burlington, Iowa, Hawkeye. He left the last named office in July, 1875, and with Mr. Henry M. Beadle, purchased the Seymour Weekly Democrat. In 1876he became sole proprietor, and in 1877 established the Daily Magnet, and later changed its name to Daily Democrat, and then to Local Lever, which name the paper bore when he sold the office to Mr. Edward W. Collins, deceased, in 1881. He next engaged in the book and stationery trade, in Seymour, until Au-gust, 1881. In April, 1882, he, with Mr. L. M. Boland, established The Daily Business in Seymour, as an independent news-paper. In December, 1883, he sold his interest in the Business, and it was made a Republican paper. Politically Mr. Rettig has ever been a Democrat, and is now publishing The Latest News, a Democratic paper, at Seymour, the first number of which was issued July 4, 1885. Mr. Rettig built the business house now partly occupied by The News in 1881, and has a centrally located residence. He is a Jackson County product, and proud of the county where he considers himself permanently established. He has always been successful in business undertakings in Seymour. Mr. Rettig was married August 30, 1876, to Miss Maggie Iddings, at her father's home, three miles east of Lexington, Scott County. To them have been born four children, two of whom are living. Mr. Rettig's mother, now Mrs. Elizabeth Waddle, resides at Brownstown, and is sixty-eight years of age. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 712 – 713

JAMES C. RICHARDS, of Brownstown Township, is the son of Zadock and Rebecca (Withrow) Richards. The former, a native of Maryland, was born May 3, 1769. He was twice married, his first wife; Eleanor Head, whom he married November19, 1793, died August 7, 1810. He took for his second wife the mother of our subject, to whom he was united in marriage January 12, 1813. He was a soldier with Gen. Wayne, took part in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson and was an intimate friend of Daniel Boone. In 1817 he moved to Jackson County, where he settled and engaged in farming arid hunting as a means of obtaining a livelihood. He died July 28, 1859, his wife dying August 30, 1865. Our subject, James C., was born in Washington County, Ky., May 6, 1815. He came with his parents to Jackson County, where he has resided ever since, farming always being his occupation. He now owns 160 acres of land, which he entered and improved by his own labor, making out of it an excellent farm. He was a good marksman, and by hunting and trapping supported the family. October 27, 1840, he married Amelia Durham, a native of North Carolina, born January 31,1813. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards: Thomas Z., July 19, 1842, he enlisted in the Sixty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry and died at Milwaukee Bend, Miss., April 4, 1863; Lucinda E., February 4, 1844, now the wife of G. W. Hays; Sarah E., December 21, 1845, now the wife of D. M. Hays; Jasper, August 17, 1847, died June 9, 1848.Mr. and Mrs. Richards have for many years been prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 622 - 623

DR. THOMAS J. RICHARDS, a native of this county, was born September 16, 1823, the fourth son of Gabriel and Margaret (Ayer) Richards. His father, a native of Virginia, was a first lieutenant in the regular army, which position he resigned, and became a Methodist minister for the remainder of his life. In1811, in Nashville, Tenn., he was married, and came to what is now Jackson County, purchasing a squatter's claim, to which he moved his family in 1816. From that time onward he was a “local Methodist preacher." His death occurred August 6, 1826.Mrs. Margaret Richards, a devoted wife and mother, was a native of Ireland, and was brought, in the immigration of the family, to this country when but two years of age. She died in 1877. Richard Richards, an uncle of the Doctor, was also a Methodist preacher, officiating in that capacity as early as 1805. The "minutes" show him to be the first regularly ordained Methodist Episcopal minister stationed on the Vincennes Circuit. At the age of twenty-one years Dr. Richards attended the Medical College at Louisville, Ky.; afterward practiced in company with his preceptor, Dr. C. T. Wilson, at Leesville, Ind. and in 1854 came to Clear Spring, this county, where he was for many years one of the foremost practitioners. In October, 1863, he enrolled a company of the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned captain. Being soon afterward ordered to the field for service, he participated in the Atlanta campaign and many of the hard-fought battles of the war. Re-turning to Clear Spring, he resumed the practice of his profession, as far as health would permit. Dr. Richards has been twice married; the first time to Maudlean Wheedon, and of the three children born by this marriage two are now living, namely: William D. and Maudlean. The wife and mother died in 1853, and Dr. Richards, in November, 1854, selected for his second wife Miss Hannah L., daughter of Lemuel and Susan (Peniston) Butler, who was born in Jennings County, in 1834. There are three children living by this marriage, named Alice, Frank and Otis B. Dr. and Mrs. Richards are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 730 - 731

PRESTON RIDER, of Crothersville, Ind., is another example of what persevering integrity will bring to a man. He was born on a farm in Greene County, Ind., December 13, 1837; the second child of W. H. and Sarah H. (Westmorland) Rider, who came to Indiana in 1820 from North Carolina. He received but a limited education, such as the primitive schools of his day afforded. In early life he worked for a time as engineer in a saw-mill, and then became clerk in the store of Joseph Lockmiller, at Martinsburg, where he remained until twenty years of age. During all this time his father had drawn his wages, but he was then informed that he could have his own time. He then rented a saw-mill near Scottsville, Ind., which he ran for two years. He married Miss Mary Elenor Hiestand, of Martinsburg. They have but one child living, a daughter named Lennie, about twenty years of age. From Scottsville, he went to Clark County, and operated a water saw-mill for three years, working for 75 cents per day. In partner-ship with John C. Brewer, he was engaged in the milling business at Martinsburg for two years. At the end of that time, Mr. Rider induced his father to buy out Brewer, which he did for $6,500.In four years more they sold it for $14,500. From there he moved to Sellersburg and engaged in general merchandising for two years. He bought the Bondrant Flouring-mills at Jeffersonville, which burned in about two months. In July, 1870, he formed a partnership with John J. Hyatt, under the firm name of Rider &Hyatt, for the purpose of manufacturing slack barrel staves and heading. After prospecting at several points, they located at Crothersville. From that time to this their business has been one of the most prosperous in the county, and more profitable even than they expected. In addition to this he owns a fine stock farm, near Crothersville, of 520 acres well supplied with good stock, in which he takes great pride. Socially Mr. Rider is pleasant and courteous, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and K. Of P. fraternities. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 757

JOHN RINEHARDT, farmer, who resides in Brownstown Township, is the third child of a family of ten born to Richard and Sally (Shefler) Rinehardt, who were natives of North Carolina, and came to Jackson County in the year 1832, and settled in Brownstown Township. The former was born November 27,1800, and died December 8, 1879. His wife was born April 5,1801, and died September 25, 1864. They were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was born in North Carolina August 11, 1827. When a mere lad he came with his parents to Jackson County, receiving a limited education in the country schools; he took up the vocation of farming, which has ever since been his occupation. He was married, March 8,1849, to Ann McCormick, a native of Jackson County, born September 10, 1825, a daughter of John McCormick, who was a native of Virginia, born November 14, 1774. When a young man he came with his parents on a flatboat from Wheeling, Va., down the Ohio River, to Madison, Ind. In about the year 1812 he, with his parents, removed from Madison to Jackson County, where they lived in a fort for some time. He married Rebecca Findley, a native of Kentucky, born January 25, 1802. They were members of the Christian Church. He was one of the commissioners who laid out the present site of Brownstown. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rinehardt: Joseph B., Flora Belle (wife of George W. Shortridge), John C., Asa W. and Philip C. Mr. R. is a member of the Baptist Church, and a Democrat. Mrs. R. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 623 - 624

ANDREW ROBERTSON is a native of Hamilton Town-ship, where he now lives, and is one of the family of Blaze and Mary Robertson, who were early settlers in the county, and are elsewhere mentioned in this volume. Andrew was their third son, and was born August 28, 1858. His education was acquired in the common schools of Jackson County, and is as good as they usually afford. His marriage with Miss Amanda Sanders was celebrated August 28, 1880. She is a native of Salt Creek Town-ship, Jackson County, where a large part of her life has been spent. They are the parents of three children, all sons. Mr. Robertson has always devoted his attention to farming, and his efforts have been more than usually successful. He is now one of the promising young farmers of the township. Politically he is a Democrat, as were his ancestors. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 670 - 671

BLAZE ROBERTSON is a prominent farmer of Hamilton Township and a native of Virginia. His birth occurred August8, 1814. Two years later (1816) he came to Indiana, and settled in Jackson County, and, with his parents, located near where he now lives. His early education was very limited, and what little he did get was, as he says, "Acquired between the plow handles, “except a few terms that he attended at the old log house in the Robertson settlement. Early in life he chose farming for his occupation, and for more than fifty years has been upon the farm where he now resides. Mr. Robertson underwent all the hard-ships of pioneer life, and now in his old age has the satisfaction of enjoying the result of a life of hardship and toil. November26, 1835, he was joined in wedlock to Mary Robertson, of Ohio, and to this union ten children have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson celebrated their golden wedding November 26, 1885, and thus they have been permitted to enjoy half a century of wedded happiness. Mr. Robertson has always been a Democrat, and has taken an active interest in the public affairs of his county. He held the office of county commissioner for seven years, and has also served in the capacity of justice of the peace of Hamilton Township. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 670

CHARLES A. ROBERTSON, of Ewing, was born in Hamilton Township, Jackson Co., Ind., July 3, 1847, and is the son of John B. and Mary E. (Wayman) Robertson. He is of old Virginia stock; his grandfather, Andrew Robertson, having emigrated from Virginia about the year 1819, and came to Jackson County, where he held many positions of trust, being for many years judge of the probate court. He was also an active participant in the second war with Great Britain, in 1812. C. A., the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Hamilton Township, where he, received the rudiments of an education in the school of his neighborhood, attending about sixty days during the winter season, spending the remainder of the time on the farm. At the age of seventeen he became a deputy in the clerk’s office under his father, where he remained until the death of his father, in 1871, when he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term. He subsequently engaged in farming, which he followed until 1881, when he embarked in the mercantile business with W.R. Boles, at Ewing. This partnership lasted till January, 1885,when, in company with J. W. Wayman, they purchased the Ewing Mill, which they successfully operate at present. In 1869 Mr. Robertson was married to Isabel E. Gosslee of Ohio, and to this union these children were born, viz.: Dunham, Edmond, Charles0., Mary B., Roscoe C., Mona and Stella B. (deceased). Mr. Robertson is a member of the F. & A. M., secret society, and of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Democrat. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 624

CLARENCE A. ROBERTSON.
Clarence A. Robertson, of Moab, is recognized as one of the eminent attorneys at law in Utah, his knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence being comprehensive and exact, while in his application of such principles he is particularly efficient and successful. He was born in Shields, Indiana, August 27, 1879. His parents, Absalom and Martha (McClelland) Robertson, were natives of Indiana and of Iowa respectively, but in her girlhood days the mother removed to Indiana, where she was married. Mr. Robertson, Sr., followed farming as a life work and in 1890 established his home in Missouri, where he remained until his death in 1898.
Clarence A. Robertson obtained a common school education and also pursued a high school course at Washburn, Missouri, while later he took a correspondence course with the International Correspondence University of Law. He removed from Missouri to Utah in 1898 and many interesting experiences came to him in his initial business activity, which was in carrying the mail on horseback from Peters Hill to La Sal. This was in the wild cowboy days. He soon tired of this and took the management of the Moab ferry. In 1891, in connection with his brother, A. M. Robertson, he was awarded the star route mail contract between Moab and Monticello, a distance of more than seventy miles, and he also subcontracted the Moab-Thompson route, continuing in that work for four years. This was followed by the purchase of the Grand Valley Times of which he remained editor and manager for six years. It was while thus engaged that he pursued the correspondence course to which previous reference has been made. In 1904 he was elected county attorney of Grand county and filled that office for five terms. In 1909 he obtained a release from the duties of that position and completed his law course at the University of Michigan. Upon his return he was admitted to practice at the bar of Utah by the supreme court of the state and also at the United States district court of Utah. In 1913 he once more entered the University of Michigan for special law work and after a year’s study there returned and has since continued in active and successful practice in several parts of the state, while making Moab his place of residence. He is keenly interested in the science of his profession, and gives himself unsparingly to his chosen work. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Moab, of which he is vice president and director, and was likewise one of the organizers, and a member of the first board of directors of the Monticello State Bank.
On the 8th of March, 1903, at Moab, Mr. Robertson was married to Miss Eva L. Taylor, a daughter of Arthur and Alcena (Jensen) Taylor, who were early settlers of the Moab valley, the father having previously lived at Paragonah, Utah, and the mother in Sanpete county. Mr. Taylor was on one of the Indiana war veterans and both he and Mrs. Taylor are numbered among the honored pioneer residents of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have become parents of three children: Allien, who was born in Moab, December 31, 1908; Home, born July 15, 1907; and Kenneth, born May 9, 1909.
Mr. Robertson’s religious affiliation is with the Church of Christ (Disciples). Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and aside from serving as county attorney he is now a member and president of the Grand county board of education and president of the recently established county library board. He is likewise a member of the publicity and development commission of the state through appointment of Governor Bamberger. He acted as government federal appeal agent for Grand county on the draft board, took an active part in promoting the Liberty Loan drives, was chairman of the two Red Cross drives, also of the Salvation Army war fund, was a member of the legal advisory board for the soldiers and acted as one of the Four Minute men of Grand county. He is one hundred per cent American, active and purposeful in support of these interests which make for higher ideals in American citizenship. Prompted by a laudable ambition, he was prepared for one of the higher profession and entered upon a life work in which advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability. Already he has made a name and place for himself that many an older attorney might well envy.
[Source: Utah since Statehood: Historical and Biographical Volume 2; By Noble Warrum; Publ. 1919; Transcribed by Denise Moreau]

GEORGE A. ROBERTSON was born in this county March8, 1839, being the youngest son of Andrew and Esther (Hamilton) Robertson. His father immigrated to this county about1818, and his mother in 1819, both from Virginia. George's early education was obtained from curriculum characteristic of the primitive log schoolhouse. The one he attended had a log taken out of the wall to constitute the window; the seats were made of puncheons, and when the sun shone the scholars had to sit outside to keep from freezing. In the winters of 1857 and1858 he attended the White River Academy, a graded school at Brownstown, where he obtained some knowledge of the higher branches, such as algebra, geometry, surveying, etc. On leaving school he returned to the farm of his father, where he continued until he became of age. Then, in 1860, he was for a while deputy clerk under Dan H. Long. In 1862 he was elected county surveyor, and was the incumbent of that office until 1869. He has also served several terms as township trustee, assessor, etc. In the spring of 1882 he was nominated by his party - the Democratic - representative to the State Legislature, without op-position. He was elected, and two years afterward renominated and again elected, thus faithfully serving his constituents for two terms. His political views are clearly defined and positive. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. August 16, 1860, Mr. Robertson married Miss Elizabeth Jones, a native of Washing-ton County, this State, and their two children are Mary B. and Esther L. Their mother died December 5, 1865, and May27, 1868, Mr. Robinson married Mary M. Van Cleave, a native of this State, and by this union five children were born, three of whom are living - Maud, Willetta and Andrew V. For a second time was Mr. Robertson bereaved of his companion, May 4, 1881. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 667 – 668

JAMES ROBERTSON, of Brownstown Township, was born in Hamilton Township, Jackson Co., Ind., December 5, 1819.He is the eldest and only one now living born to William and Mary (Hamilton) Robertson. The former was born in Berkley County, Va., November 15, 1784, and came with his mother, Hannah (Hutchinson) Robertson, his brother Andrew and sister Rachel, to Jackson County, in 1818. William was a farmer by occupation, and died in this county August 24, 1854. The subject of this sketch was a farmer by occupation, being raised on the farm. He now owns about 900 acres of land. May 26, 1842,he married Phoebe Jacobs, who was born in Jackson County February 7, 1825, and the daughter of John and Rebecca J. (Ireland)Jacobs, the former a native of Ohio, born in 1794; his wife a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1792. They came to Jackson County in 1818. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson: John, deceased, born in 1843; William, deceased, born in 1845; Lunceston, deceased, born January 15,1848; Mary, March 13, 1850; Jennie, April 1, 1852; Clarissa, November 9, 1854; Esther, January 30, 1857; Andrew, September 4, 1859; George, deceased, born 1862; Effie, died in infancy; Rosanna, born 1868. Mr. Robertson cast his first vote with the Whig party. After the disbandment of the party he identified himself with the Democratic Party, to the principles of which he has adhered zealously. He is an honored citizen and respected by all who know him. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 624 - 625

JONATHAN ROBERTSON, a farmer of Hamilton Township, is a native of Jackson County, Ind., where he was born July 12, 1823. He was the second son born to Andrew and Esther (Hamilton) Robertson, who are prominently mentioned among the pioneer settlers of Hamilton Township. They were of old Virginia stock, and trace their ancestry back to the Robertson who accompanied Lord Berkley to America. As with other members of the family, Jonathan had limited school advantages, attending only a few weeks of each year at the old log schoolhouse, where reading, writing and arithmetic were imperfectly taught. He afterward, however, attended two terms at a grammar school, in Brownstown, about the year 1840. March 29, 1849, Mr. Robertson was married to Miss Mary E. Frank, also a native of Jackson County. Of this union there is one child living, viz., Sarah. April 29, 1852, Mrs. Robertson died, and March 20, 1853, he married Susan A. Harrel, and to this second union seven children were born: Harriet J., Columbus, Laura E., Florence A., Elnora, Josephine, and Holmes. In politics Mr. Robertson is a stanch Democrat, and has served his party as township trustee and assessor. He cast his first vote for James K. Polk. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 668 - 669

WILLIAM M. ROBERTSON, of Hamilton Township, is a native of that division of the county. His father, John Robertson, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, nee Elizabeth Hamilton, of Ireland. He received his early education in the characteristic log schoolhouse of pioneer days. Has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life, and all except two years in Brownstown Township. September 7, 1848, Mr. Robertson was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Sewell, a native of Jackson County, and by that matrimonial union there were twelve children, of whom the following are now living: Mary A., who married E. L. Holmes and resides at Newbern, Va.; James Wayman, residing in Ewing; Martha A. married William M. Isaacs, of Hamilton Township; David B. resides in Seymour; Saul W. at Ewing; Blaze is next in order of birth; George is mining in Colorado; Ida married William Laraway, of Hamilton Township; and Celestus H. is the youngest living. The mother of these children died in January, 1869, and their father, December 8, 1874, was united in marriage with Margaret L. Jacobs, and by the latter union two children have been born, and named James W. and D. T. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 669

WILLIAM ROBERTSON is a native of Hamilton Township, Jackson County, and was born August 3, 1827, being the fifth son of Andrew and Easter (Hamilton) Robertson. His early education was limited. George H. Murphy was one of his first teachers. He afterward attended school at Brownstown, obtaining some knowledge of algebra and a few other high branches. After spending some time again upon the farm, he engaged in 1851-52as clerk for Charles Wayman, in a dry-goods store at Browns-town; and on leaving there he started up for himself for about eighteen months. On leaving mercantile business, in 1862, he was appointed school examiner, in which capacity he served one term, and since then he has occupied his farm. Under the ad-ministration of President Buchanan he served as postmaster. The post office, named Valley Farm, which was then the address of C. L. Dunham, was discontinued in 1860. In 1870 Mr. Robertson was elected township trustee, and served one term. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace for the term which expires this year, 1886. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the church. Mr. Robertson was united in the bonds of matrimony, February 4, 1868, with Sarah C. Johnson, a native of Ohio, and of the eleven children born to them seven survive, whose names are George A., Ruth B., John B., James R., Walter E., Sarah E. and Thomas J. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 669 - 670

JOHN ROEGER, deceased, was born November 27, 1813, at the city of Engelfinger, State of Wurtemberg, Germany. His mother died when he was two years old, and his father when he was thirteen, and, being left penniless, he was bound to a shoe-maker to learn that trade. He left Germany for the United States in May, 1839, and arrived in New York the next July, indebt $12 for money borrowed to bring him over. He worked his way from New York to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he commenced work at his trade, and in 1842 he had $300 laid up in a savings bank, which afterward broke, paying only 50 cents on the dollar. He married Margaret Dresseldorfer January 4, 1843, in Cincinnati. Eight children were born to this union, six of whom are living: Julia, now Mrs. John Vogel; Carrie, now Mrs. W.A. Carter; Maria, now Mrs. H. Schwing; Charles and Harry. Eliza, a daughter, died some years ago. He moved to Jackson County the next year after his marriage, where he afterward lived. Shoe-making not agreeing with him, he bought ninety acres of land paying at the time $5.25 per acre. He paid $200 down, and the remainder in a short time. As fast as he made the money and could spare it, he kept adding to his land until he had 900 acres. In the meantime he was ever ready to help his neighbors, and he also aided all he could in building up Seymour. He took stock in the Jackson County Agricultural Society at this place, as well as in the Bell Ford Bridge Company. He also purchased bonds of the city, issued to obtain money for the erection of the Shields High School building and the city buildings. He also helped to build all the churches in Seymour. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, and of Seymour Lodge, I. I. O. F., No. 204, and was a life-long Democrat, and as honest a man as God ever made. He has one sister living in Germany. He died December 21, 1874. In every relation of life he was a true Christian gentleman. The lesson taught by his busy life should be remembered by all. His career was honorable to himself and useful to his country. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 713 - 714

J. A. ROSS, a son of Amos and Martha (Ruffner) Ross, was born December 27, 1837. His parents were natives of Virginia. His primary education was received in the primitive log school-house of the time. Leaving Washington County at the age of fourteen, he came direct to Seymour, where he engaged at the McCollum House as a hostler. This was the only hotel in Seymour at this time. He continued his employment at the hotel, attending school in the winter, until 1856, when he began breaking on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He continued at this employment only a month, owing to an accident in which he was injured, afterward entering the blacksmith shops of the Ohio &Mississippi Railroad in September, 1857, as helper, till 1864,when he was promoted to blacksmith. He occupied this position until December, 1871, when he was given charge of the Seymour round house. With but trifling intermission he has held this position for ten years. November 22, 1865, he was married to Margaret Newby, of Washington County. Seven children have been the issue of this marriage, six of whom are living: Harry 0.,Mary C., Walter I., Thomas E., Andrew J. and Martha A. Mrs. Ross died March 4, 1880. January 17 he was married to Mary Weyer, of Madison. Two children were born to them: Virgie and Stella L. He is a Mason and a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 714

Return to Jackson County Home Page

Submit Biography

Return To Indiana Home Page