Samuel Cutsinger, a prominent farmer, and one of the leading businessmen of central Indiana, was born in Washington County, Ky., on the 25th day of June, 1820. Two years later the family came to Indiana, and settled in what is now Jackson Township, Shelby County, where amid the active scenes and rugged duties of pioneer life the youthful years of our subject were passed. The family living in moderate circumstances, young Samuel was obliged to bear his part in the work of clearing and developing the farm, consequently his educational training was very limited, as but little time could be devoted to attendance at school. He early displayed rare business qualifications, however, and by much mingling with men in after years acquired a practical education such as few possess. He remained with his parent until his marriage, which took place December 12, 1839, with Elizabeth Harris, and then moved to Edinburg, where he had engaged in the mercantile business the year previous. Here he remained until 1841, when he moved back to Jackson Township, and resumed farming which, with stock-raising, he has since carried on. Mrs. Cutsinger was born in Kentucky, September, 1820, and came to Shelby County, Ind., when but nine years of age. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger, namely: 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 settled near their father’s home. As a farmer and stock-raiser, Mr. Cutsinger has met with success such as few achieve, and in his business transactions has displayed financial ability of the highest order. Beginning life with little or no capital, he has so managed his affairs as to accumulate a large fortune, owning at this time over 1,800 acres of valuable land, besides having a large amount of capital invested in manufacturing enterprises at Edinburg and Franklin. He has made a great deal of money in stock, dealing extensively in cattle and hogs, always making it a point to have them as large and fat as could be found in the market. Latterly he has dealt more in cattle, and fattens yearly from 200 to 250 heads of choice steers. In 1869, Mr. Cutsinger, with three other businessmen, founded the Edinburg Starch Works, the largest enterprise of the kind in the state, and one of the largest in the United States west of the Alleghany Mountains. He has been the leading spirit of the enterprise, and much of its success has been due to his able management and business foresight. Latterly he became identified with the starch works at Franklin, in which he has a large amount of capital invested. Both of these establishments are appropriately mentioned in another part of this volume. The better to look after his business interest, Mr. Cutsinger, in 1884, moved to Edinburg, where he has since resided, his residence here being one of the finest homes in the city. Politically, Mr. Cutsinger has always been an unswerving supporter of the democratic party, but he has never sought official honors at the hands of this fellow-citizens. Personally, he is very popular, and with true Kentucky hospitality believes in having as many of the good things of this world as is consistent with a successful business career. In his wife he 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 genuine welcome to all who have the good fortune to become the recipients of their hospitality, and is favorably known among a large circle of friends and acquaintances for her many excellent qualities. Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger are active members of the Christian Church of Edinburg.