Settoon, John Sheldon

Hon. John Sheldon Settoon, representative of Livingston parish and a prominent merchant of Springfield, is a native of that town born on the 15th of January, 1857. His parents, Senator John and Mary J. (Kinchen) Settoon, were natives of Livingston parish, La., also, and were reared and married there. The father was engaged in steamboating from Springfield to New Orleans for some time but subsequently abandoned that and followed farming until 1865, when he embarked in merchandising at Springfield, continuing that until his death in 1885. He was a confederate soldier in a Louisiana regiment. His widow still resides in Springfield and makes her home with her children. She is a member of the Methodist church and her husband held membership in the same. They were the parents of eight children, Alexander W. (deceased), John S. (subject), Marion E., Almeda R. Lillian, Martha (deceased), Walter J. and Luther V.

John Sheldon Settoon received his education in the public and private schools of Livingston parish and ran a schooner from Springfield to New Orleans from 1875 to 1882. He then clerked for his father and after the latter's death took charge of the business, which has gradually increased until now he has an immense trade, carrying a stock of goods valued at about $10,000. He was reared in Livingston parish, is an honorable gentlemen, enjoys the favor of all who know him. and merits the acquaintance of those who do not. He was married in 1881 to Miss Mary F. Ables, a native of Tangipahoa parish, La., born 1860, and the fourth of eight children born to the marriage of Richard Abels, of Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Settoon became the parents fo four children: Maud L., Mabel C., John S. and Ethel M.

Mr. Settoon owns about 1,000 acres of timeber land, and is a supporter of all laudable enterrises. He advocates the principles of democracy and his first presidential vote was for General Hancoc. In 1888 he was elected to represent Livingston parish in the lower house of the legislature and still holds that office. He and wife are worthy members of the Methodist church. Mr. Settoon is very popular with all and is respected for his many qualities as a business man, citizen and member of society. He was chairman of the parish democratic executive committee from 1884 to 1888.

Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana 1982 Vol. 2