Samuel A. Cutsinger
Prominent among the largest
and most substantial farmers and business men in this part of Indiana stands Samuel A. Cutsinger. He is the son
of Martin and Polly Cutsinger, and was born in Washington Co., Ky., June 25, 1820. The family came to Shelby Co.
in 1822, and settled in Jackson Township. Here, his father entered land and engaged in the arduous duties of clearing
it up. Mr. Cutsinger's boyhood was spent on the farm; his education was extremely limited, for hard work was such
a necessity in those days, but little time could be devoted to schooling. But by reason of the large amount of
business Mr. Cutsinger has always transacted, and by much mingling with men, he has acquired a good, practical
education. He is thoroughly conversant with all things that pertain to his business, and on all general affairs
he is well informed.
He remained at home until his marriage, which took
place Dec. 12, 1839, when he was united to Elizabeth Harris, who was also a native of Kentucky, and came to this
(Shelby) county when she was 9 years of age. She is a few months younger than her husband, her birth taking place
in September, 1820. Some time previous to his marriage, he had lost his only brother, George, who died at the age
of 13 years. After his marriage, Mr. Cutsinger went to Edinburg, Johnson Co., to live in which place he had engaged
in the mercantile business in 1838. Here he remained until 1841, when he moved back, and engaged in farming in
Jackson Township, where he has since resided. Nov. 6, 1848, his mother died, and in September, 1849, his father
married Elizabeth White; she died soon after, and was married a third time to Elizabeth Wright. He died in June,
1869; his third wife is still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger thirteen children have been
born --- Mary, Jane, George, Edmonson, Maria, Catherine, Ann, Hannah B., Martin, Indiana, Ivory H., Eleanor and
William E. Of these, all are living, with the exception of the fifth daughter, Ann, and nearly all have been married,
and are settled near their father's home. Mr. Cutsinger has been very successful in farming, and although he commenced
at the foot of the ladder, he so managed his business as soon to be above want, and to-day he owns some 1,8000
acres of as fine land as there is in Indiana. He has made a great deal of money in stock, dealing very extensively
in cattle and hogs, always making it a point of having them as large and fat as could be found in any market. Latterly,
he has dealt more in cattle, and fattens on his farm annually from 150 to 200 head of choice steers. In 1869, thinking
there was a chance to make money in the manufacture of starch, he engaged with three others in that business, and
built a large factory at Edinburg. This business has been a success, and the three partners have been bought out
by Mr. Cutsinger and members of his family, the factory being now owned by himself and his daughter, widow of the
late J. I. Thompson, excepting an interest belonging to Mr. Schultz. Twenty-four thousand pounds are daily manufactured
here, which are shipped to all parts of the world. This factory is a fine thing for the farmers living in the vicinity
of Edinburg, since it makes a ready and profitable market for their corn. At the present time, Mr. Cutsinger is
superintending the building of a large starch factory in Franklin, Ind., in which he is largely interested. Politically,
the subject of this sketch is a Democrat, though he takes no active part in politics. Personally, he is a whole-souled,
jovial man, who keeps his house open with true Kentucky hospitality, and believes in having as many of the good
things of this world, as is consistent with a successful business career. In his wife, Mr. Cutsinger has secured
a life partner who has always been a helper to him, and one well qualified to fill the duties of wife and mother.
She seconds her husband in giving a genuine welcome to all who have the good fortune to become the recipients of
their hospitality; in their house, no one can want. Their present home is a pleasant farmhouse, beautifully situated
on a natural elevation, commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. They are surrounded by their children,
and truly, from his present standpoint in life, Mr. Cutsinger can look back to his starting-point and congratulate
himself on being one of the few who can say to themselves they have made a success of life.
Atlas of Shelby Co., Indiana, Chicago: J.H. Beers
& Co, 1880, p 72.
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