Mathew Sedam was born in Switzerland County, Ind., May 11, 1826, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Engle) Sedam. The father was born in New Jersey, February 17, 1778, and died in Switzerland County, Ind., in 1830. He was married in New Jersey, wedding Elizabeth Engle, who was born in New Jersey, in September, 1782. The father was the son of Henry Sedam, a native of New Jersey, of German descent. These parents, Henry and Elizabeth Sedam, came from New Jersey to Ohio, where they lived for a short time, and then removed to Indiana, and settled in Switzerland County, where they both died. The names of their children are: Nicholas, Henry, Andrew, Maria, Charles, Abraham, Cornelius, Joseph, Mathew, John and Michael. Mathew was reared on a farm, and received a fair education in reading, writing, and “ciphering,” while attending a few short terms of school. His father died when Mathew was but four years old, and his mother was left with a large family and but little means of support. Mathew left home at the age of eighteen years to begin the battle for life for himself. His work was that of farming. By industry and perseverance he established himself a good name, and also gained support. At the age of twenty-four years he took unto himself a wife, Martha Boyd, who lived but a few days over one year after their marriage, which was blessed by one birth, but the child is deceased. In 1855, Mr. Sedam came to Johnson County, and here he has since continued to reside and follow farming. November 19, 1857, he married a second wife, Sarah Dorrell, the daughter of Jacob and Mary Dorrell, whose history is found elsewhere. Mrs. Dorrell was born in Johnson County, Ind., June 5, 1835. Her marriage unto Mr. Sedam has been blessed by these children: Jacob J. and Maria. Jacob J. was married December 26, 1883, to Rosa Hughes, daughter of George Hughes. April 9, 1886, Maria was wedded to Ora T. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Sedam are member of the United Brethren Church, and their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.