Jackson G. Douglass, farmer, Posey Township, one of the oldest settlers of this county, was born in Henry County, Va., in 1804. He is a son of John and Hannah (Douglass) Douglass, both natives of Virginia. They married there and six of their children were born there -two in Ohio. They moved with their children into Ohio in an early day, and resided there ten or twelve years, then, in 1818, came to Posey Township, where the father and mother both died, latter in November, 1858, former New Year's eve, or day, of 1859. The father was a school teacher by profession, but did some farming. The children were Pleasant, Lancaster, Sarah, Jackson G., Banister, Hiram, Saunders and Elizabeth. Jackson G. Douglass was fourteen years of age when he came to this locality. He grew to manhood with his parents, and in 1822 he married Elizabeth Hickman, daughter of Abel and Sarah (Bratton) Hickman, early settlers of this county. After his marriage, in 1823, Mr. D. bought eighty acres of Congress land, and on this he has since resided. In 1850 he purchased an additional eighty acres, and this farm he has since cultivated. Has reared ten children, eight still living: Kate, wife of William P. Searcy; Madaline, wife of G.B. Seaver; Adelia; George K.; John J.; Allen J.; Zerelda, and Alice, widow of Walter V. North. The two eldest, Mary and Abel are deceased. Mr. Douglass has served four years as assessor, and is one of the highly esteemed pioneer residents of the county. Has resided in the county sixty-three years. Mrs. Douglass died November 18, 1875.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell