No history of Sullivan County would be complete without a review of the life of the late Hon. Ransom W. Akin. He was one of the most prominent citizens of his day in that locality, Mr. Akin was a native of Clark County, Ind., being born October l8, 1806. He was the son of Josiah and Rebecca (Stewart) Akin, both natives of Virginia. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm. He began the mercantile business at New Albany in 1830; he was later at Bowling Green, Ind. After remaining there two years he returned to New Albany though afterwards moved to Carlisle, this county, where he continued in and built up a splendid business, which at the time of his death came into the hands of his sons. Mr. Akin's first marriage was in 1826 to Miss Martha Jacobs, by whom he had four children: Evaline Jenkins, of Illinois; Wm. M. Akin, Sr., of Evansville; Mary A. and Francis M. Akin are both dead. Mrs. Akin died June,
1833.

Mr. Akin's second marriage occurred on December 9, 1831, to Miss Sarah R. Sedgwick, who was born September 19, 1817, being the daughter of John and Bettie (Rawlins) Sedgwick, natives of Maryland. They settled in Monroe County, Ind., in 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Akin were the parents of eight children: John S., Charles T., Edgar W.; Josiah T. Akin; Eloise J. Price, of Rock Island, Ill.; Sarah W. Cloud, of Boston, Mass., are among the living; Margaret E., Ransom W., Jr., are dead. Mr. Akin died June, 1880, in Carlisle. He bears the distinction of being the first native born Hoosier elected to the Indiana legislature.

Biography of Ransom W. Akin from An Illustrated Standard Atlas of Sullivan County, Indiana, Wilson, Fuller & Co., publishers, 1899.

HON. RANSOM W. AKIN (deceased) was one of the most prominent citizens of Sullivan County, a native of Clark County, Ind., and born October 18, 1806, son of Josiah and Rebecca (Stewart) Akin, who were natives of Virginia. In early life, Mr. Akin followed farming, but in 1830, began the business of general merchandising at New Albany. In 1826, he was married to Miss Martha Jacobs, by whom he was the father of four children--Evaline, William M., Mary A. and Francis M., all living except Mary A. Mrs. Akin died in June, 1833, and soon after this he moved to Bowling Green, Ind., still continuing the mercantile business, where he remained about two years, then returning to New Albany. December 9, 1834, he married Sarah R. Sedgwick, and to this union eight children were born--John S., Margaret E. (deceased), Sarah W., Eloise J., Ransom W. (deceased), Charles T., Edgar W. and Josiah. Mrs. Akin was born September 19, 1817, one of eight children born to John and Betty (Rawlings) Sedgwick, who were natives of Maryland and settled in Monroe County in 1820. Mr. Akin continued business at New Albany about two years, when he came to Carlisle, arriving here in 1838, and from that time to his death took position as one of the foremost citizens in the county, not only in a mercantile point, but in all public matters, further mention in this regard being made in the history of Haddon Township. His death occurred June 18, 1880, at Carlisle. A very excellent portrait of Col Akin also appears in this work.

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.SULLIVAN CO., IN HADDON TWP. PAGE 744

He was a member of the Indiana House in the 25th session & Senate in the 28th, 29th, 30th sessions where he represented Vigo, Sullivan & Clay Counties. Trustee of Indiana Univ. 1855-57; 1860-61, Treasurer of the Board 1854-57; 1861-62. Biography can be found in "Officers of IN. Univ. 1820 - 1950 by Burton Dorr Myers 1951."

Researched by Laura J. Stewart