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Below is a family biography included in The History of Switzerland County, Indiana published by Weakley, Harraman & Co. in 1885. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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ZADIG ROUS, retired merchant, Vevay. The subject of this sketch is one of the old pioneers, and has been a prosperous, worthy citizen. He was born in Yorkshire, England, October 12, 1803, and received a rather limited education. His parents were natives of Yorkshire. His father, James, born in October, 1755; his mother, Elizabeth (Topham), October 1773. They were married in 1799 and raised a family of seven children, Alfred, Linda, Zadig, Orlanda, Cora, Lucien and Percey. The father left England for America in September, 1811; the mother coming with seven children in December 1812. They were prisoners five weeks in Nova Scotia. After remaining one year in New York State, they moved to Vevay, Ind., May 4, 1814. Father Rous was elected one of the first commissioners after Switzerland County was organized. He was also township trustee, and was the first male school teacher in the county. He was always active in school matters, and was school trustee when the academy was built. He was a cotton manufacturer by trade, and a school teacher by profession. He read medicine, and practiced some in England. He was secretary of the Bradford Club, which was formed to immigrate to America. He was a prominent politician and had to leave his native country on account of his opposition to their laws. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died in Vevay. Mr. Zadig Rous was raised a farmer. He ran flat-boats down the river before any large steamers plowed the mighty water. He also ran a carpenter and wagon shop and did merchandising. He was truly successful in all his undertakings, and has secured a comfortable competency for his old age. He was married, May 18, 1826, to Miss Mary Shaw, who was born March 9, 1805, and by this union seven children have been born: James, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, born June 15, 1828; James, Jr., born February 6, 1830, died April 2, 1865; John, born September 27, 1832; Mary A., born July 30, 1835; William, born January 7, 1839; Alfred, born April 10, 1844. Mr. Rous was justice of the peace, also city marshal for three years. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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This family biography is one of 215 biographies included in The History of Switzerland County, Indiana published in 1885 by Weakley, Harraman & Co. For the complete description, click here: Switzerland County, Indiana History and Genealogy
View additional Switzerland County, Indiana family biographies here: Switzerland County, Indiana Biographies
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