Jonathan Yount.—The Yount family came originally from Germany, and were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, in colonial times. From that state the grandfather of the subject emigrated to Kentucky, and was an associate of the celebrated Daniel Boone, in leading the van of civilization into the "dark and bloody ground." He participated in many of the struggles with the indians, and is remembered as one of the bravest of the pioneers of a time abounding in brave and daring men. George Yount, father of the subject, was born and reared in Kentucky, Shelby County, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man of some local prominence, having held an official position in the militia service, and for some years took an active part in politics as a supporter of the whig party. His death occurred a number of years ago in his native state. The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Sarah Bright. She was descended from English ancestry, and was married to Mr. Yount in Kentucky, and was the mother of four children, all living, three of them residents of Johnson County. Mrs. Yount died in Johnson County, aged over eighty years. Jonathan Yount was born May 3, 1828, in Shelby County, Ky., and grew to manhood in his native state as a farmer. His early educational advantages were of a meager character, embracing in all about five months’ attendance at the country schools. Owing to the death of his. father, the duty of maintaining the family was largely thrown upon his shoulders, and for some years he struggled hard to discharge his filial duties. October 28, 1852, he was married in Shelby County, Ky., to Miss Eliza J. Satterwhite, daughter of Turner Satterwhite, a prominent farmer, and in 1860, came to Johnson County, Ind., settling in Hensley Township. Here he purchased land and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, which, with stock-raising, he has since carried on successfully, having at this time one of the best improved farms in the southern part of the county. He suffered a severe loss by fire in 1876, but immediately rebuilt, and now has one of the most commodious residences and other buildings in Hensley Township. Mr. Yount is an energetic businessman, and a true type of the old-time Kentucky gentleman. He is a great lover of all kinds of innocent sports and pastimes, and an adept with the rifle, his skill in marksmanship being unequalled in this part of the country. Politically, he is a democrat. Mrs. Yount died in April, 1875. She was the mother of nine children, the following of whom are living: John W., Walter L., Edwin, Charles E., George B. McC., Cordelia and Hattie O. In April, 1876, Mr. Yount married his wife, Miss Lavina C. Smith, who has borne him four children: Harry G., Ira W., Carl and Howard H.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 706.