Scott Township Biographies

Township Histories & Biographies

Scott Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Brant & Fuller. 1889

Part 1 — Part 2 — Biographies A-L — Biographies M-Z

James and Mary (Lockyear) Maidlow were both natives of England, and came to America and located in Scott Township in 1818. Unto their marriage were born the following offspring: James, Henry, George, Mary Ann, William, Salina, Edmond, John Spencer and Emma. The father was called away in 1851, aged eighty-seven years, and the mother died in 1822, aged sixty-two years. John Spencer Maidlow was born in Hampshire, England, April 7, 1803, and died in this county April J, 1852. He came with his parents to this county in 1818, and in 1824 was united in marriage with Barbara Hornbrook, born in Devonshire, England, June 6, 1803, and died in this county August 26, 1865. Their marriage gave to them the following children: Mary, Henry, Sarah Ann, Phillip, Edward, Elizabeth, James, Emma Salina, Anne, Alice, Edmond, Alfred Spencer and Charles W.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 590.

Henry Maidlow was born in Scott Township, January 28, 1827, and is the oldest son among the above named children. He was reared on a farm, and received a fair education for his day. His life has been devoted to farming, in which he has achieved success. January 11, 1849, he wedded Elizabeth Earl, daughter of John and Mary (Cranfield) Earl, born in this county September 10, 1830. They have had the following children: John Earl (deceased); Leslie James, born January 15, 1852; Eliza Alice, born December 9, 1853; William Earl, born December 16, 1855; Sarah Mariah, born January 31, 1858; Emma Salina, born March 16, 1860; Mary Ann, born April 24, 1863; Kate Ellen, born June 8, 1866; Fannie Avis, born April 6, 1869; Richard Henry, born October 26, 1872, and Elizabeth Susan, born January 18,1875;

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 590.

Edward Maidlow, the third son of John Spencer and Barbara Maidlow, was born in Scott Township, November 12, 1831, and was reared and educated on the farm, and his entire life has been devoted to agriculture. In 1870, June 12, he was united in marriage with Matilda Jane Ruston, daughter of Edwin Ruston, a native of England. She was born in this county, January 21, 1851. The fruit of their marriage has been the following: Sarah Ellen, born May 14, 1871; Thomas Edward, born January 22, 1875; Florence, born March 27, 1877, and Irene Bertha, born December 23, 1879.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 590-591.

Charles W. Maidlow, the youngest son of John Spencer Maidlow, was born in this county November 10, 1851, and was also reared on the farm. His early schooling was received, in the country schools, and at Racine College, Wisconsin, he completed a practical education. Farming has been his chosen occupation. November 25, 1873, he wedded Eugenia Jarred, born in this county, July 7, 1853. By her he had two children: Charles E., born October 31, 1874, and. Dora E., born October 13, 1876. Their mother died May 6, 1879,and on November 21, 1880, their father married Martha E. Short, daughter of Lewis W. and Lucinda (Kirkpatrick) Short. Martha E. was born in Illinois, February 27, 1859. This second marriage has resulted in the birth of three children: Wilbern, born September 6, 1881; Clarence, born March 23, 1884, and Lucinda, born October 6, 1885.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 591.

William D. Miller was born in Gibson county, Ind., May 5, 1860, the son of Jacob and Margaret (Winkleman) Miller. The parents were born in Germany, the father in 1813 and the mother in 1826; both died in Gibson County, Ind., he in 1867, she in 1873. The father came to America about 1830, the mother in 1847. Shortly after their coming to America, they settled in Vanderburgh County, where their marriage took place. This was blessed by the birth of the following children: Mary, Carrie (deceased), Annie, Lizzie and William D. (twins). The subject of this sketch is the youngest of these children, and when he was but seven years old his father was called away in death. His father was a tailor by trade, and up to one year prior to his death lived in town; thus the childhood of William was spent in town. When his father left town he removed to a farm in Gibson county, and thereafter his home was on a farm up to the age of twenty years. He received a common school education in the country schools. When he was thirteen years old his mother died and he was left to the mercies of the world; his home was here and there, and up to the age of twenty years he worked by the day at farm work. On reaching the above age, he obtained employment in the railroad office at Patoka, Ind.; and here he assisted eighteen months, becoming acquainted with the office work, and learning telegraphy. In July, 1882, he was made depot agent and telegraph operator at Inglefield for the E.&T.H.R.R. Co., which position he has since held. He is also the agent for the Adams express company at that point. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Joseph Ruston, and began merchandising at Inglefield. Subsequently he purchased Ruston's interest, and is now the only merchant at Inglefield. He is also engaged in the buying of grain. In March, 1884, he was appointed postmaster at Inglefield, and holds the position now. He is a practical business man, shrewd, energetic and prosperous. In October, 1886, he was united in marriage with Mattie Rowland, born July 27, 1866, daughter of Thomas J. and Laura Rowland. Her father was born in Cumberland County, Ky., May 4, 1833, the son of Wade and Winnie (Murphy) Rowland. Mr. Rowland was reared in Kentucky. Soon after reaching his majority he removed to Warrick County, and there married Laura Bush, March 12, 1856. She was born in Illinois, November 14, 1839, the daughter of William and Sally (Simmerman) Bush. Mr. Rowland and wife have had the following children: Dora, Wade, William, Grant and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland came to this township in 1865, where he has followed farming.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 591-592.

William Peck was a native of England, and emigrated to America in 1820, and settled at Evansville. He was the father of the following children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Martha and John. John Peck was born in England in 1800, and died in this county in 1845. He was a farmer by occupation. In 1832 he was united in marriage with Esther Marshall, and the marriage was blessed by the birth of Mary Ann, John W. and Nancy C. (deceased).

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 592.

John W. Peck was born in this county September 7, 1837. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. He began farming at an early age and devoted his life to the calling, excepting a period of three years service in the United States Army. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered out of the service in July, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to his native county, where he has since resided. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Ann Bower, daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Bower. Mrs. Peck was born in Scott Township in 1842. Her marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following: Thomas William, Gertrude, John F., Robert and Albert (deceased). In politics Mr. Peck is a decided republican. In the spring of 1872 he was elected as trustee of Scott Township, and afterward served four terms of two years each. He is not a member of any Church, but is of Methodist inclination. He is a member of the G.A.R., and is a representative citizen.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 592.

John G. Potts, one of the best known farmers and citizens of Vanderburgh County, was born in Scott Township, October 14, 1824, the son of George and Mary Ann (Maidlow) Potts. The father was born in Lancashire, England, came to America in 1817, and located in this county, purchasing the homestead on which the son resides. He was married in this county in 1820, to Mary Ann Maidlow, born in Hampshire, England. She came to this county in 1819. She had by this marriage three children; Ellen (deceased), Emma (deceased), and John G. Mr. Potts was born shortly after the death of his father, but the widowed mother continued on the old homestead where the son was reared. The mother was wedded later by Charles Knowles. Subsequently and after John G. had reached his majority, he took possession of the homestead in the main, and here has since engaged in farming. In this he has been successful, due to his untiring energy and perseverance. In the fall of 1851, he was united in marriage with Susan Stephens, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Stephens. She was born in Dartmouth, England, March 22, 1822. She and a brother emigrated to America in 1849, and located in this county, where their uncle and aunt, James and Esther (Weeks) Cawson, had settled in 1818. The latter emigrated to America the year previous, and were detained in Pennsylvania during the winter of 1817-18 by being ice-bound. In the spring the ice broke up, and an ice gorge destroyed their boat, and, in consequence, much of their effects were lost. A second boat was constructed and then set afloat. In the same year they landed at Evansville, and made their settlement in Scott Township, where they continued for a number of years, dying in this county eventually. Yet they made several removals, visiting their native country (England) in later life. A short time after Miss Stephens and her brother came to this country, she was married to Mr. Potts. To them have been born four children: Esther, Edith, John and Cawson. Only the first and last are living. In politics Mr. Potts is a republican. For twelve years he has served as trustee of Scott Township.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 592-593.

Simpson Ritchey was born in North Carolina, the son of James and Elizabeth (Simpson) Ritchey, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America some time prior to the American Revolution, in which struggle James Ritchey was a soldier from the beginning to the end. To James and Elizabeth Ritchey were born the following: Adam, James, Simpson, John, William, and Mary and Isabella. On coming to America these parents made their first settlement in North Carolina, but after peace had been declared, the family removed to east Tennessee and settled at Knoxville, where they remained a short time; later, they went into Kentucky, and finally the parents removed to Arkansas, where they died. The third son, Simpson Ritchey, was married in Livingston County, Ky., to Mary Bowling, a native of Maryland. She was the daughter of Alexander and Patsie (Williams) Bowling, he a native of Scotland and she of Wales. They emigrated to America a short time previous to the Revolution and settled on the frontier of Maryland, where their daughter Mary was born. Later this family came to Kentucky, and here Simpson Ritchey and Mary were married. This union gave them the following children: Simpson, William, Wesley, Orilla, Franklin and James, all of whom are dead but William. Simpson Ritchey and wife, and the first two children, removed, from Kentucky to Indiana, October 14, 1812. The family joined the McCallister Settlement, above the present site of Evansville. Subsequently removals were made, and eventually the father and mother became citizens of Gibson county, where their deaths occurred.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 593.

William Ritchey was born in Livingston County, Ky., in 1810, July 3, and was but a little over two years old when his parents brought him to this county. April 18, 1840, he was united in marriage with Nancy Rodgers, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Marquess) Rodgers; he was of Irish descent and she of French. Mrs. Ritchey was born in this county March 18, 1820, and died in the county, March 17, 1883. She gave birth to the following children: Orilla, James S., Elizabeth (deceased), Mary (deceased), Newton, Lucian, Matilda, Martha, Nancy, Alice, William, Robert, Anne, Thomas, Julia Ann (deceased), and two others who died early. William Ritchey has followed farming for an occupation, and his life has been one of industry and honesty. He is one of the oldest and best respected citizens of Vanderburgh County. He has always been active in politics, first as a whig, then as a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 593.

James S. Ritchey, a son of William R., was born in Armstrong Township, April 4, 1841. March 19, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mary Daley, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Daley, both of Kentucky origin. Mrs. Ritchey was born in Daviess County, Ind., January 1, 1844. To them has been born one child, Charles Lincoln, born February 6, 1864. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Ritchey settled on his present homestead, in section 4, of Scott Township, and here has been a successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie are members of the Free Methodist Church. In politics he is a republican.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 593.

Richard Ruston was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1820, where in 1840, he wedded Jane Laws, also a native of that shire, born in 1820. While they remained in England, they had five children: George, Emma, Ann, Jane and Elizabeth. In 1852 the family emigrated to the United States, and on January 7 of the next year landed at Evansville. They went into Scott Township in the same year and made a settlement. After remaining one year, they moved to Warrick County, where they stayed four years, and then returned to Scott Township, since when the homes of the family have been in this county. Five other children were born to them in this country: Susan, Sarah, Thomas, Joseph (deceased), and Hannah. The mother lived to see all her children grown, and was laid to rest, her death occurring in the fall of 1878. The father survives, a respected resident of Evansville. His active days were spent so wisely and prudently, that although unaided by anything but his own industrious habits, he is able to spend old age in comfort, congratulating himself on having raised to manhood and womanhood a family worthy of and holding the esteem and neighborly affection of a wide circle of friends.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 593-594.

George Rustin, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, October 17, 1843, was but nine years old when his parents set sail for America. Consequently much of his childhood was spent in this state, and much of his education received in our common schools. He chose agriculture as his occupation and has followed it very successfully. In 1875 he was married to Caroline Emma Peck, daughter of Richard and Mary Ann Peck, born in this county February 3, 1847. They have three children, Percival Edgerton, and Albert Leroy and Alfred Lambert, the latter twins.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 594.

John Ruston, one of the best-known farmers of this township, is a son of John Ruston, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, March 5, 1814. The latter was the son of Richard and Mary (Farmer) Ruston, who came to this country in 1853, and afterward passed their lives in Scott Township. The husband died April 1, 1857 and the wife April 21st of the same year, and both lie at rest in the Hornby graveyard. Their children's names were Robert, John, Elizabeth, Edward, Richard, Daniel, Farmer, and Mary C. The senior John Ruston was raised on the farm in England and followed the occupation to which he was bred. In 1838 he was married in England to Mary Swanson, also a native of Cambridgeshire, born September, 1814. In 1840 they emigrated to America with the child they then had, Emma, and arrived at Evansville January 1, 1841. In the same year they settled in Scott Township. In this country the following children were born to them: John, Charles, Harriet, Ann, and James. All the children are deceased but John, Emma, and Harriet. The daughters live in Kansas. The mother died September 29, 1877, and the father February 17, 1886, and both are buried in Oak cemetery. John Ruston, the eldest son, was born July 7, 1841. He was married January 17, 1866, to Ann, daughter of Matthew and Catherine Park, born December 10, 1844. They have two children, Charles Alfred, born January 28, 1867, and Maggie, born February 10, 1869.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 594.

John Sansom was born in Huntingdonshire, England, March 4, 1810, and is the son of William and Elinor (Saunders) Sansom. Mr. Sansom was reared in his native country, where he received a limited education by attending night school. At the age of twenty years he determined on emigrating to America, and accordingly came to the United States in the year 1830, locating in the same year in Vanderburgh County. Subsequently he purchased at different times, two tracts of government land which he still owns. He has become an extensive landholder and is one of the most prosperous men of the county. May 4, 1832, he was united in marriage with Eliza Elliott, a native of England, born in 1811. This marriage resulted in the birth of fourteen children, and the mother was called away in death. In 1853 Mr. Sansom paid his native land a visit of some six months duration and then returned to this country and since has continued on his farm in Scott Township. In 1874 Mr. Sansom married for a second wife Sarah Pickett, a native of England, born in 1821. Mr. Sansom throughout life has been a democrat. In the early history of Scott Township he served as a school trustee for several years. He is not a member of any Church, yet is of the "Hard-Shell" Baptist persuasion. He has ever taken a deep interest in the preservation of the history of his community, and relates some interesting reminiscences. He has a bureau made of lumber from walnut trees which grew from nuts he planted himself. Mr. Sansom is one of the oldest and best known citizens of Scott Township.

Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 594-595.

Samuel Scott was a native of Virginia, and was married in that state. In an early day he came west and settled in Kentucky, and as early as 1817, came to Vanderburgh County and settled in section 17, of what is now called Scott Township, which township was so named in his honor. He was the father of the following children: Mary, Eliza, Lizzie, Grandville, Maria, Jane and Washington, all of whom are deceased. Samuel Scott was the builder of the first house in Scott Township. He lived to be quite aged, and lost his life while making a "flat-boat trip" to New Orleans.