The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Marion Township, page 694
John F. Underwood is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born in Marion Township, Feb. 20, 1849, a son of William and Harriet L. Underwood, and grandson of John Underwood, one of the early settlers of this township. William Underwood was born in Kentucky, in 1823, and accompanied his father to Hendricks County. He was here married, March 20, 1847, to Harriet West, who was born April 7, 1830, a daughter of Isaac and Polly West. They commenced housekeeping on section 10, Marion Township, and there made a home, where he died in September, 1875. He had a farm of 700 acres and was one of the most prosperous citizens of the county. The mother still lives on the homestead with her son, Obadiah. John F. is the eldest of their six children, the others being William, Mrs. Mary E. Higgins, Obadiah, Mrs. Angeline Christie and Robert, all residents of Marion Township. John F. Underwood was married Jan. 23, 1873, to Caroline F. Kurtz, daughter of Henry F. Kurtz. They have two children--Carrie and Lourie. In 1880 Mr. Underwood bought what is known as the G.W. Turner farm, which contains 200 acres of improved land, located on section 27. In politics Mr. Underwood is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, making its motto the rule of his life. He is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the township.