From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana page 859-860

John Douglas, Merchant and Postmaster, Richland Center, Ind., was born in Richland Township, July 3, 1862, a son of Robert and Mary (Akers) Douglas.  When he was three years of age, his father died and his mother subsequently married James Hutchinson, and lives in Hastings, Nebraska.  His grandfather, John Douglas, was one of the pioneers of Richland Township, coming here in the early days of its settlement.  He located on Section 25, buying 80 acres of land upon which he made his home.  He was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in Richland County, Ohio, where he married Mary Ann Kerr.  Of their seven children three are living -- Mrs. Martha J. Highland, of Michigan; Mrs. Margaret A. Slade, of Angola, and John, of Michigan.  Those deceased are -- Robert, Mrs. Matilda Everhart, Mrs. Lydia Newville and Diana.  His wife died in 1853, and he subsequently married Eleanor Dougal, and to them was born one child -- Mary Ellen, who died at the age of eighteen years.  Mr. Douglas died August 6, 1864, aged 55 years.  His widow survives and lives with our subject, whom she reared from his childhood.  Our subject was reared a farmer, receiving a good education in the common-schools of the township.  In January, 1884, he bought the stock of merchandise of Morley and Son, and is now conducting a general merchantile business.  His courteous, geneal manners and accomodating disposition makes him well adapted to this branch of business, and he has a large and constantly increasing trade.  He was married September 26, 1882, to Susie Rudisill, a native of Lagrange County, Indiana, born July 6, 1862, daughter of Jacob Rudisill.  Her father died when she was sixteen years of age, and her mother afterward married Harvey Olmstead, of Lagrange County.  The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas died in infancy, November 16, 1884.  A brother of Mr. Douglas, Charles, makes his home with him.   

Submitted By: Mindee Gleason
E-mail: bcmgleason@gmail.com