Indiana Schitt Connections in the 1800s — Research Status: OPEN
Named leads found: 9
Confirmed MFRD connections: 0
Possible connections under review: Obadiah Michael / William McKendree
Surname variants encountered: Schitt / Schittner
Geographic focus: southern Indiana, c. 1810s–1840s
In the early 1830s, southern Indiana was one of the most active settlement sectors in the region, drawing families from far across the eastern United States as part of the broader westward migration during that time. This period saw the consolidation of earlier frontier communities along the Ohio, Wabash, and White-Water rivers, with fertile upland soils and river access making it attractive for new arrivals to pause and put down roots.
What the Migration patterns looked like and family origins
The largest influx into southern Indiana came from the South, especially Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky, with many of these settlers including substantial Scots-Irish and German-descended populations moving through the Appalachian and upper-South migration corridors. Migrants used several established routes through the Appalachian backcountry and Kentucky, with many ultimately moving westward along the Ohio River into southern Indiana. Families from multiple ancestral lines—such as Virginia, North Carolina, and even Delaware—converged in the same rugged frontier areas by the 1820s and 1830s. While Indiana was not settled in the same manner as the original colonies, there were many pioneering people who moved into the territory that would become the Hoosier state. By the mid-1800s, Indiana was mostly settled, and many of those first pioneers began gathering at “old settlers” meetings where they recalled their history and honored the oldest among them.
Lifestyle and challenges
Pioneers in southern Indiana in the early 1830s lived under the frontier maxim “root pig, or die,” meaning they had to work hard to survive. They built homes from scratch, farmed crops, gathered forest products, and often lived in close-knit, self-sufficient, small communities. At times, the only livestock we can positively say they kept ….. were goats! Many small frontier households did not own enslaved people and instead relied primarily on family labor, subsistence farming, and land ownership as a path toward stability.
Community and records
By the 1830s, southern Indiana counties such as Posey and Orange were well-established, with some families already in the area since the 1810s. The Society of Indiana Pioneers has been found to keep an ancestor database with records of individuals and families from this era, including birthplaces, dates, and counties to the best reasonable certainty possible. Researchers can also consult Indiana marriage, will, and probate records, as well as county histories and old settlers’ meeting accounts for added context.
Example of early settlement
One documented family line from the early 1830s includes Catherine Brown, born in Marion County in 1830 (at this point possibly connected, in some way, to Obadiah Michael Schitt – B1762), and Elizabeth Barton Saltzman, born in Posey County in 1830 (Now it’s possible she is connected with William McKendree Schitt -B1806, least that’s where it looks like the trail leads.) These records reflect the diversity of origins and the rapid growth of the region. Cousin Deep is still researching in this area for signs of Schitt family settlers and says she is encouraged by what she’s run across so far.
In short, southern Indiana in the early 1830s was a frontier of opportunity and hardship, shaped by large-scale migration from the South, self-reliant pioneer families, and the gradual expansion of settled communities.
Elizabeth Barton (Young) – B1811
George Johnston Schitt – B1795
Lathorp Minor Schittner – B1789
Margaret (Hannis) – B1802
Mary (Hancock) – B1814
Obadiah Michael Schitt – B1762
Rachel Thompson (Baker) – B1792
William McKendree Schitt – B1806
Mary (Vise) – B1796
Research remains ongoing. Entries appearing in this file should not be considered part of the Master Family Register unless subsequently confirmed.