From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 866-867

Samuel W. Scoville and his wife were the second family to settle in Richland Township, coming in October, 1837. They settled on section 31, where they now live, the oldest resident settlers of the township, Robert Jackman, the first settler, having no representative here. Mr. Scoville was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., July 10, 1815, a son of David and Sally Scoville, the former, a native of Connecticut, died in Onondaga County in 1847, aged sixty years, and the latter, of New York, died in 1880, aged eighty-four years. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Rosamond M. (Thompson) Scoville was born in Madison County, N. Y., Dec. 27, 1817. Her father died in that county aged fifty-nine years, and her mother subsequently came to Steuben County and died at the residence of her daughter, aged sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Scoville were married March 15, 1837, and came the same year to Steuben County, entering 160 acres of land, of which he has made a fine home. He also owns thirty acres on section 32. When seventeen years of age he learned the tailor's trade at which he worked ten years. He took an active part in the organization of the township and served several years as Trustee. He was County Auditor from 1856 till 1860; has served as Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Recorder, and also held commissions as Notary Public from the following Governors: Oliver P. Morton for four years from Jan. 23, 1861; Oliver P. Morton for four years from May 8, 1865; Conrad Baker for four years from Sept. 15, 1870; Thomas A. Hendricks for four years from April 5, 1875; James D. Williams for four years from April 5, 1879. Before the repeal of the Missouri Compromise he was a Democrat, but became active in the organization of the Republican party in this county. Although he has reached the allotted threescore and ten years he is still possessed of as much vigor and strength as most men of fifty years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Scoville are firm believers in the goodness of God toward all mankind, and in the faith that all will, through his goodness, be finally numbered among his people. In their home a genuine hospitality abounds and stranger and friend alike find a hearty welcome. Their son, James W., born Sept. 13, 1838, was the first white child born in the township. He is now in the mercantile trade in Cherokee County, Ala. Their second son, William T., died in infancy. Of their other children, Laura is the wife of George W. Twichell; Cornelia, of Henry S. Ball; Ella M., of Jerome B. Cheney, and Charley F., a promising young man, is at home.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com