From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 867

William D. Scoville was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1822, a son of David and Sally Scoville. He lived with his parents till twenty-two years of age, on a farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. In 1854 he settled on his present farm on section 19, Richland Township, where he has eighty acres of choice land, all of the improvements having been made by him. He was married Oct. 27, 1849, to Clarissa Sheffel, who was born May 21, 1829, and died Jan. 12, 1862, leaving two children -- Leonard, now of Labette County, Kas., and William W., at home. Dec. 23, 1862, he married Julia Ann Trowbridge, who was born Dec. 29, 1840. She died Dec. 21, 1869, and also left two children -- Clarissa E., of Richland, and Elzena J., at home. Feb. 12, 1871, he married Mrs. Mary F. Watkins, a native of Huron County, Ohio, born Feb. 8, 1839, daughter of DeWitt and Lydia Hicks, early settlers of Stafford Township, DeKalb County, Ind., where the father died in 1846 and the mother in 1863. They have had five children -- Mattie F. and Myrtie E., twins, born Jan. 28, 1872; Ernest E., born October, 1876, died January, 1877; Frank D. and Fred S., twins, born Jan. 10, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Scoville are members of the Disciples church and are among the most prominent and respected citizens.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com