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(Source: History of Madison County, Ohio
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 - 1159 pgs.)
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Pleasant Twp. - Page 1034
MARTIN W. SCHRYVER. The subject of this
sketch, the enterprising book dealer, stationer, and job printer of Mt.
Sterling, was born Oct. 12, 1846, in Pickaway County, Ohio. He is
a son of Jacob H. Schryver, a native of New York State, and
Elizabeth Schryver (deceased), a native of Pickaway County, this
State. He was reared on a farm in Pickaway County; received a
liberal English education, and subsequently, for perhaps twelve years,
engaged in school teaching, for one year as Superintendent of Mt.
Sterling graded school. For several years, in connection with
other business, he dealt in musical instruments. In 1869, from
Pickaway County he came to Mt. Sterling, this county. In May,
1871, he began the publication of the Mt. Sterling Review, which
he continued three years. In October, 1848, he was united in
marriage with Miss Barbara Campbell, daughter of Robert and
Nancy (deceased) Campbell. Robert, now of Pickaway
County, this State. This union has been blessed with four children
- Robert H., Florence N., Guy H. and Clyde H. Mr.
Schryver possesses sterling business qualities, and is meeting with
success. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
Darby Twp. -
JOHN SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in
Logan County, Ohio, July 14, 1836. He is a son of William and
Emily Scott; the former was born in Ohio in 1814, and is still
living; the latter was born in Virginia in 1816, and died in 1847.
Samuel Scott, the grandfather of our subject, located in Ross County
in 1800. Our subject received but an ordinary schooling, and has
made farming the occupation of his life. He owns nearly ninety
acres of land where he resides, which he has made by his personal
efforts. He is a warm advocate of prohibition, and an earnest
supporter of every work of reform. In 1862, he enlisted in the
Third Ohio Battery, participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and
soon after was discharged on account of disability. In 1863, he
married Rachel J. Green a native of Logan County, and a daughter
of George R. and Ruth (Williams) Green, natives of the South.
This union was blessed with three children - Emily, McKinzey and
Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the M. E.
Church, in which he has been Steward, class leader and Trustee. He
is an active worker in the Sabbath schools.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 ~ Page 782 |
JOHN P.
SEARLE, blacksmith, London, and a well-known and esteemed citizen
of London, was born in Cornwall, England, July 16, 1833. He is a son of
William Searle, also a native of Cornwall, and a farmer by
occupation. Our subject was apprenticed for six years to a blacksmith in
his native country, remaining with him till his trade was fully learned,
besides buying his clothes, and paying his "master," $5 per annum. In
December, 1857, he came to America on board the James Morton,
forty-two day's passage. He came direct to Ohio, and first worked six
miles east of Newark. He remained there nine months, and then went to
work near Jacksontown, Licking County, on the National pike. He was
employed on a threshing machine during the grain season, and in
September following went to Thornville, Perry County, and worked five
months for David Rank. He then rented a shop, and carried
on his trade in that county for five years. He came to London, April 1,
1864, and went to work at his trade. This increased rapidly, and in the
summer of 1867, he purchased thirty-four feet front on Main street, from
William Farrar, paying therefor $3,100, and assuming an
indebtedness on it of $1,600, with three years in which to pay it. When
this purchase was made, after making the $1,500 cash payment, Mr.
Searle had but $35 left in his pocket, but in two years he had
paid for the property. He remained there eight years; sore eyes caused
him to quit work four months. He then purchased his present property for
$2,500, and erected his shop. He came to London with $400 in ready cash,
and by energy and perseverance, coupled with a thorough knowledge of his
trade, has succeeded in gaining a comfortable competence, and is the
owner of a nice brick cottage on South Main street; besides this he owns
a large tenement property on Oak street, estimated at $3,500. When Mr.
Searle landed at New York he had only $4.84, but his property in London
to-day is valued at over $10,000, and this in spite of many obstacles
which he has had to encounter. Mr. Searle is a member of
the Madison Lodge, No. 70, and London Encampment, No. 126 (I. O. O. F.).
He is Republican in National and State politics, but in local matters
gives his support to the right man in the right place." He was married
April 27, 1857, to Elizabeth R. Coplin, a native of St. Austle,
Cornwall, England. Ten children have been sent to bless this union, only
two living—Kate A. and Spartan C. Mr. Searle, wife
and daughter, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr.
Searle sees in his life the guiding hand of an over-ruling
Providence, which has more than once led him into paths that opened to
success. It was only three days after his marriage that he bade his wife
farewell in his native land, and started on his long journey to America.
The future seemed uncertain to him, and though he possessed a brave
heart and a ready hand, he was unwilling to take her from her home to an
unknown land. He went from St. Austle to Liverpool by steamer, and, on
arriving, a tug approached to convey the passengers ashore; all except
him boarded the tug, but an indescribable hesitancy held him back. As he
stood there alone, a stranger on the quay inquired if he did not wish to
land. His reluctance disappeared and he landed at once. This stranger.
whom he only met by obeying his impulse to remain aboard the steamer,
while the others landed, proved a friend indeed. He invited him to his
house, treated him as a son. and in various ways assisted and befriended
him. When in mid-ocean there appeared to Mr. Searle a
distinct picture or vision of a blacksmith shop, which he afterward
recognized as Mr. Lippencott's in Licking County. The
vision and reality corresponded and agreed in every particular. After
his arrival in Ohio, while walking along the railroad between Newark and
Louisville to his work in the harvest field, the thought flashed into
his mind to inquire for a letter at the latter post office. He did so
and received one, directed to himself and written by John
Lippencott, an entire stranger to him, asking him to work in his
shop. He accepted the offer, and on approaching the shop recognized it
at once as the shop he had. beheld on the ocean. From that day to the
present, he has never lacked work. His wife joined him in America after
sixteen month.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JAMES SELF,
architect and builder, London. Mr. Self was born in England May
12, 1829. He is a son of Stephen Self, a native of
England. He married Lydia Loudon. Our subject was reared
and educated in his native land, residing there till twenty-nine years
of age. He learned his present trade when sixteen years of age, working
at it for five years. On September 11, 1857, he came to the United
States and direct to London, Ohio, where he has since resided. Mr.
Self has resided here over a quarter of a century, and during
that time has been prominently identified with the building interests of
Madison County. He owns a farm of forty acres adjoining the village,
where he manufactures brick. In 1881, he made over 1,000,000 He has been
fairly successful in life, and owns some good village property. He was
married in 1856, to Lavina Johnson also a native of
England. Mr. and Mrs. Self are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
HENRY J.
SHARP, physician and surgeon, London, was born in Gallia County,
Ohio, March 2, 1845. His father, Dr. E. T. Sharp, a native of
Pennsylvania, removed to Ohio at an early day, where he reared a large
family, practicing his profession for over forty-five years and, by
natural selection, the subject of our sketch has transferred to his own
the professional mantle which the father, through declining years, let
drop from his shoulders. The father and mother both having surpassed the
limit of life, as sung by the Psalmist, are now residing at Worthington,
Franklin County, .Ohio. Henry was the ninth of a family of eleven
children, and is the youngest of three brothers now living. Living so
close to the border, and at the important rendezvous, Gallipolis, the
headquarters of the military department of West Virginia, during the
late war he became imbued with the war spirit, and though too young for
the volunteer service, enlisted while not yet sixteen years old in the
Ohio National Guard, Company C, One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment.
His company, during the raids and threatened
raids of the rebel Gens. Wise and Morgan, was
frequently under arms, doing guard duty at Gallipolis and other points
on the Ohio .River, until the call for the hundred-days men by
President Lincoln, when the One Hundred and Forty-first Ohio
National Guard, Col. Jaynes commanding, was transferred to
West Virginia and divided into detachments, were stationed at the
different garrisons on the line between Charleston and Guyandotte, West
Virginia, thus relieving the garrisons at these places and permitting
them to be transferred to the more active services at the front, under
Grant in East Virginia. After about four months' service, the One
Hundred and Forty-first was ordered to Gallipolis, discharged and
mustered out of the service. The subject of our sketch entered a local
academy, and after a few months here, his parents moving to Franklin
County, he matriculated in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware,
where he continued his studies, leaving there in 1868, to take up the
study of medicine. He studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr.
J. W. Hamilton, of Columbus, and being his only student for nearly
two years, gained largely in valuable experience and practical
participation, as an assistant to his preceptor in an extensive surgical
and general practice. He graduated in medicine from Starling Medical
College, in the spring of 1871, and settled during October of the same
year in London, where he soon acquired a lucrative practice, and is now
doing an extensive and remunerative business. Dr. Sharp
belongs to the students and progressive men of his profession, finding
time. aside from the actual practice, to contribute to the literature of
his profession by articles written for the various medical journals, and
for participation in the proceedings of various medical societies, being
a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical
Society, the Central Ohio Medical Society and the Madison County Medical
Society. He was married to Miss E. C. Dooris, of Zanesville,
Ohio, April 10, 1872. His wife is a lady of culture and of future
promise in literature, she having contributed in the past to different
periodicals, and having only laid down her pen for devotion to the
growing demands of an interesting family, that, for the time, overshadow
all other pleasures and duties of less moment. The Doctor and his wife
are both members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and by their
devotion and work have aided largely in the erection of a handsome
church building on Fourth street, in the city, where the society hold
their services. They have living three children—Henry J.,
Leighton and Wilfred.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
Darby Twp. -
A. H. SHERWOOD, retired farmer, P. O. Magnetic
Springs, was born on the shores of Lake Champlain Nov. 26, 1808; he is a
son of Samuel and Orinda (Converse) Sherwood. He came to
this county in 1822, and settled on "Darby Plains," where he has worked
at farming most of his life. He at one time owned 570 acres of
land, which he afterward gave to his children. In 1832, he married
Irena Beach, by whom he had ten children, viz., Daniel B., whose
sketch appears in this work; Samuel; Judith, deceased;
Elizabeth, deceased; Mollie, wife of A. H. Andrews;
Sarah, wife of Sanford Converse; Amos B., proprietor
of Sherwood House, Plain City; Laura (Kilburn); and Charles L.,
whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. Sherwood gave to
each of his children a liberal start in life, either in land or money,
and has himself retired from active life to his home at Magnetic
Springs, where he now resides.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 ~ 983 |
Darby Twp. -
C. L. SHERWOOD, livery, Plain City, was born in
this county Jan. 1, 1852. He is a son of Andrew and Lucinda
(Beach) Sherwood, descendants of the old Puritan stock. His
father was a prominent farmer of this township. Our subject was
raised on a farm, where he remained until 1872, when he moved to Plain
City and engaged in the livery business, for which he is well fitted,
being an excellent judge of horses and a jovial, good-hearted fellows.
His stock is good in quality and condition, and his customers always
leave him well satisfied. On Oct. 8, 1872, he married Miss Mary
L. Parker, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, by whom he has four
children, viz., Delmore L., Clyde C., Lula I. and Grace.
Mr. Sherwood is a Republican in politics. His wife is a member
of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 ~ 983 |
Darby Twp. -
DANIEL B. SHERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was
born in Darby Township Jan. 16, 1833. He is a son of Andrew H.
and Irena (Beach) Sherwood, the former a native of New York and the
latter of Ohio. His father has been a life-long farmer, and, prior
to dividing his land among his children, he owned 570 acres. Our
subject was the eldest of a family of ten children. He has adopted
the occupation of a farmer, and now owns a well-regulated farm of 124
acres. He was married, in 1855, to Miss Chloe Douglass, a
native of Franklin County, Ohio, by whom he had three children -
Douglass L., John D. and Frank R. Mr. Sherwood died
Feb. 28, 1868, and Mr. Sherwood married Amanda Latham, a
native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a daughter of John Latham.
By this union three children were born - Charles A., Amos B. and
Harry H. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood are members of the M. E.
Church, in which he has been a class leader and Superintendent of Sunday
schools. He is a Republican in politics.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 ~ 983 |
Derby Twp. -
W. R. SHERWOOD, retired merchant, Plain City, was
born in this county Dec. 16, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and JAne
(Riddle) Sherwood, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of
Kentucky, both of English parentage. Our subject received his
education in his native county at the public schools. He was
reared on a farm, where he continued until twenty-two years of age.
In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, Capt. Robinson, and was discharged, in 1864, on account
of a wound received in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. He was
previously taken prisoner by Morgan's men, but obtained his
release immediately. He was married, in 1855, to Olive B. Lyons,
a native of Union County and a daughter of Levi Lyons. Mr.
Sherwood is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies and of
the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Republican in politics,
and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 ~ 983 |
Darby Twp. -
ELI SHOVER, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in
Jerome Township, Union County, Ohio, July 18, 1833. He is a son of
F. V. and Elizabeth (Haughn) Shover, natives of Virginia, of
German descent. Our subject received a limited education in the
schools of Union County, and worked at the carpenter trade three years.
In 1866, he married Mary E. Taylor, a native of Madison County
and a daughter of Samuel Taylor. They have four children,
viz., Samuel F., George A., Rosa E. and May. Mr. and
Mrs. Shover are members of a Methodist Church. He is a
Republican in politics.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 ~ Page 984 |
W.
STALEY SHEPHERD, London, was born in Champaign County, Ohio,
March 25, 1823. He received such an education as the public schools of
that vicinity could give him, which, with a taste for reading, enabled
him to become a well-informed man. He was married at Woodstock, Ohio,
January 1, 1850, to M. Louise Clark, daughter of Jeremiah
Clark, of Connecticut. In the spring of 1857, he removed to London,
Madison County, and was soon thereafter appointed Deputy Sheriff of the
county. He so discharged the duties devolved upon him that in the fall
of 1858 he was elected Sheriff, and was re-elected in 1860—serving out
the two terms in succession to which he was restricted by the
Constitution. At the expiration of his term as Sheriff, he was appointed
the first collector of Internal Revenue for his county, which office he
held until 1866, retiring, with an unblemished record, to the business
pursuits of private life. In 1870, he was elected to the position of
Clerk in the House of Representatives of the Fifty-ninth General
Assembly of Ohio, and discharged his duties with fidelity and
efficiency. In 1872, he was appointed chief book-keeper in the Auditor
of State's office, which position he held for eight years, a portion of
which time he served as Deputy Auditor of State. Soon after retiring
from the Auditor's office, he was appointed to a clerkship in the
Interior Department at Washington, D. C.; there he remained until June,
1881, when he resigned his position and returned to London. Soon after
this, he purchased a half-interest in the London Times and entered at
once upon the field of journalism, in which capacity he now devotes all
his time and energies. In politics. Mr. Shepherd is a firm
but candid Republican. In manners, he is agreeable, and tolerant of the
views of others differing from him.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
J. T.
SIDENER, physician, Jefferson, son of Lewis and Catharine
Sidener, and grandson of the late David Sidener, of
Jefferson Township, was born February 27, 1856. He received a
common-school education while on his father's farm, and, at the age of
nineteen, entered upon a business course at the Iron City Commercial
College, of Pittsburgh, Penn., but finding this too confining he
returned to the farm. On March 23, 1876, he was married to Mary E.,
second daughter of Robert and Ruth Fullerton,
of Fairfield Township, and grand-daughter of the late John Johnson, of
Range Township. Mr. Sidener followed farming until 1879,
when he took up the study of medicine and the preceptorship of Dr.
John N. Beach, of Jefferson, and, in September, 1880, he
entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, taking a two
years' course. He graduated March 23, 1882, settled in Jefferson and
commenced the practice of his profession April 24, of the same year.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
LEWIS SIDENER, farmer,
P. O. Lilly Chapel, grandson of the pioneer, Philip Sidener,
and a third child of David Sidener, who are both mentioned
in the history of this township, was born October 12, 1824, in Jefferson
Township, where he matured and now lives. He was raised to farm life,
and has always followed that pursuit. His hard work, combined with
economy and prudent management, has placed him in fair circumstances.
His educational privileges were very meager, yet his appreciation of the
value of an education are fully indicated by the interest he takes in
the educational welfare of his children. He was married, November 9,
1848, to Catharine Anderson, by whom he had seven
children, five living-. Mr. Sidener has served in several
different township offices.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
J. J. SIDNER,
farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of Wesley Sidner and
grandson of the late David Sidner, was born in Deer Creek
Township, Madison County, in 1857, but from infancy lived on the farm he
now occupies. He received a common school education, and has
devoted some time to teaching. He was married, in 1879, to Mary
Roberts, of Jefferson Township, by whom he has had two children.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
WESLEY SIDNER, farmer,
P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of .Philip Sidner and
a son of Jacob Sidner. The latter was born in Kentucky
November 17, 1799, and in infancy was brought to Ohio, but his parents
returned to Kentucky during the first decade of the present century,
and, after a brief stay, again came to Ohio and settled near where
Jefferson now stands. Jacob was the second youngest son, and was
almost entirely raised in Jefferson Township. In 1817, he bought a farm
four miles west of the present town of Jefferson, to which he added
until he owned about 900 acres of land. He was twice married—first, to
Mary Ebing, who was born May 17, 1804, and a daughter of
the pioneer, Charles Ewing, of Deer Creek Township. To
this union five children were born. She died in 1833, and he married for
his second companion Margaret Erwin, born near Newark,
Ohio, in 1813. To this union eight children were born, of whom five are
now living. Jacob Sidner and his second wife trod the path
of life together until February, 1880, when his death severed the link
of earthly relation, and, in August, of the same year, she, too, died.
They were both members of the Methodist Church. Of his children,
Wesley, the second by the last marriage, was born in 1836 in Deer
Creek Township, where he was raised and received a common-school
education. He has been a life-long farmer, and now owns 140 acres of
good land, in Jefferson Township, where he resides. His marriage with
Lydia, daughter of William Jones, was celebrated in
November, 1856. Seven children are the fruits of this marriage. He and
wife are both members of the Methodist Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
WILLIAM CLARK SIDNER,
farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, was born on the place where he now lives
January 5, 1845; he is a son of Jacob and Margaret R.
Sidner, he a native of Kentucky, and she of Licking County, Ohio.
The grandfather, Philip Sidner, was a native of Virginia,
who emigrated to Kentucky with ten of his brothers, and settled there in
an early day. Some of them were extensive slave owners, but manumitted
their slaves prior to the war About 1802, Mr. Philip
Sidner, with his family, removed to Ohio and settled about four
miles south of Columbus, on the Scioto River; thence he went back to
Kentucky, but returned to Ohio in 1806, and here, remained till his
death. He was buried at Jefferson. Jacob was born in Kentucky in 1799,
and was raised in Ohio. When about twelve years old, he, with his
sister, settled on the old " Ewing " farm, now owned by G. G.
McDonald. In 1818, they settled on the place where his son, our
subject, now lives. He married Margaret R. Irvin, by whom
he had seven children, five now survive—Irvin, Wesley,
Angeline, William Clark and Theotis.
Mr. Sidner was twice married; by his first wife, Miss
Ewing, he had five children, three now living—Samuel,
Philip and Elizabeth Jane. Mr. Sidner
died in February, 1880, and his wife in August, 1880. He experienced his
full share of the trials and dangers of pioneer life, having been one
among the earliest settlers, and he had lived in Deer Creek Township
nearly seventy years. He was an energetic, industrious farmer, and
became owner of about 900 acres of land; he was a man of undoubted honor
and integrity, and an earnest member and worker in the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He was one of the organizers of the Upper Glade
Church, a Steward in the same and a Trustee for many years. The subject
of this sketch was married, February 24, 1870, to Sarah J. Jones,
a native of this county, by whom he has two children—Ernest L.
and Earl Anson. Mr. Sidner located on the home
place, where he still resides and where he has lived from his birth.
Here he has a fine farm and good improvements, constituting a pleasant
home.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JOHN
SILVER, deceased, was a son of Richard and Ann Silver, who
were both born in Pennsylvania, where they married and died, having
raised a family of six daughters and two sons. One son and one daughter
are still living in their native State; one daughter, Rebecca,
was married to a Mr. Stoockey, whom she buried in
Pennsylvania, she dying in Illinois, leaving a family of eight children.
The other four daughters—Sally, Elizabeth, Susan and Hannah—all married
in Pennsylvania—Sally, to Joshua, son of Rev. Lewis
Foster, after whom Foster Chapel is named; Elizabeth, to
John Crissman; Susan, to Samuel Wallace, and
Hannah, to Thomas Timmons. They all settled in
Jefferson Township, and were among the early settlers, doing much toward
clearing up the country.. Thomas Timmons and wife both
died in Jefferson, as did Mrs. Crissman also, but the rest
all moved to Illinois in the spring of 1849. John Silver, another of the
family, was born on the Juniata River, in Pennsylvania, July 1, 1800. He
reached his majority in his native State, and, about 1825, he set out in
life by conducting a blacksmith and wagon-making shop and tavern. In
1827, he married Mary Koontz, who died October 21, 1832,
leaving three sons, two of whom are still living. His second wife was
Catharine Speaker, who was born in Bedford County, Penn.,
February 12,1809, of German descent. In 1835, he purchased about 800
acres of land in Jefferson Township, Madison County, Ohio, where he
settled in 1837, with wife and five children. The first house erected by
him in the wilderness serves as a part of their present residence. He
improved his farm and added to it until he owned about 1,000 acres, of
which 960 are still in the name of the Silver family; he
was industrious and frugal and lived to the age of eighty-two years and
fifteen days. He was energetic and economical, but above all, his
charity was never exhausted. He embraced the religion of the Baptist
Church, at Jefferson, in November, 1854, and soon after was elected
Deacon, in which capacity he served without ceasing until his death. He
grasped every opportunity to promote the interest and welfare of the
church, and to his liberality it is indebted for much of its prosperity.
He was always ready to personally liquidate the unpaid salary of the
minister, rather than have it unpaid. He was the father of eleven
children, of whom five are now living, viz., Richard, Asa,
Mary M., George T. and John W. Richard now resides in Nebraska,
and the other four live in Ohio, two of whom are yet single, viz.,
Mary M. and George T.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers &
Co., 1883 |
G. P.
SIMPKINS, harness-maker, Jefferson, is a son of John W.
Simpkins, a native of Maryland, who, early in the present century,
settled at Franklinton, near Columbus, Ohio, where he commenced his
business prior to the war of 1812. While engaged in his trade, Gen.
Harrison and his troops were on the way from Sandusky to
Marietta, Ohio, and stopped with Squire John Simpkins,
using his hatter shop for a barracks. For the intrusion, Harrison
subsequently appointed Squire Simpkins Commissary, and
henceforward he acted in military service until the close of the war,
devoting considerable time with Gen. Gaines, after whom
our subject is named. About the close of the war of 1812, he and family
settled near London, where, in 1815, he buried his wife. His second wife
was the widow of John Guynn. While the National road was
in process of construction, he settled in Jefferson, where the American
Hotel formerly stood. Here he bought a lot in the wilds of nature,
cleared and grubbed it and erected on it a building in which he opened a
tavern. The building was small, and he expected to build an addition,
but before doing so, he sold and moved to London and kept the Cowling
House, but subsequently returned to Jefferson, where he died in a the
spring of 1861. He served Madison County as Associate Judge several
years, and Jefferson Township as Justice repeatedly. He was a man of
sound mind and an esteemed citizen of the county. Of his four children
one only is now living, viz., Gaines P., who was born in July,
1815, near London. He in early life went to Springfield, Ohio, where he
learned his trade, but since 1835 he has been a resident of Jefferson,
where he has mostly conducted his trade. Soon after coming to Jefferson,
he was instrumental in forming the military home company. He furnished
two sons for the suppression of the rebellion, one of which survived. In
1836, he married Eliza Sidener, of the pioneer stock
elsewhere mentioned in this work.
Their union has been blest with a family of eight
children, four of whom are still living.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JOHN SIMPKINS, a native of
Maryland, came to this county about the same time as the Gwynnes, it is
believed as early as 1808; he purchased land in this township on Walnut
and Oak Run, which new is owned by Mrs. Eliza Chrisman, and here settled
and made some improvement and became a leading active man in the secular
affairs of the county; served as Treasurer of the county in 1816;
Collector in 1817; was an Associate Judge and also a Justice of the
Peace; the latter office he filled for many years. He finally moved to
Missouri, remaining but a short time, when he returned to this county,
entered upon the mercantile trade, which he followed through the greater
part of the remainder of his life. He had two brothers, James and
Thomas; the latter was stabbed and killed on the streets of London; the
former subsequently returned to his native State, Maryland.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
MATHIAS SLYH, farmer, P.
O. West Canaan. The subject of this sketch was born in West
Virginia April 12, 1800; he is a son of Mathias and Mary (Drill) Slyh.
His father emigrated to Ohio at an early date, and was of German
descent; His mother died in Maryland about 1817. His
grandfather, Mathias Slyh, was born near Little York, Penn., and
was through the Revolutionary war, serving as Major or Colonel.
Subject's father was also in the battle of Brandywine when only fourteen
yeras of age; he served as wagon master for three years. Our
subject's grandfather on his mother's side was named Jacob Drill.
His grandmother's name was Eva Drill. Mr. Slyh owns
505 acres of land in Franklin and Madison Counties, and is a successful
farmer by occupation. In politics, he is a Democrat. He was
married, Aug. 10, 1819, to Sophia Martin, who died Oct. 17, 1827,
and by her he had four children, viz: Phebe, John, Rebecca and
F. Richard. His second marriage was celebrated March 17, 1830,
to Sarah Patterson. He has served as Township Trustee,
Constable and School Director, and is one of the Trustees in the Baptist
Church, of which he is a member. He has had thirteen children.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
CHARLES SLYH, farmer and
horseman, P. O. West Canaan. The subject of this sketch was born
March 26, 1848, in Madison County; his parents were Matthias
and Sarah (Patterson) Slyh, natives of Virginia. He was
married, March 26, 1874, to Eliza, daughter of William and
Mary (Boyd) Kilgore, and by this union has had born to him three
children, viz.: Ora, Alma, and Rodney. In
politics, Mr. Slyh is a Democrat. He has served as Assessor
for four years, and also as School Director. A more extended
sketch of his ancestry appears elsewhere in this work.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
CHARLES B. SMITH, banker,
Plain City, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 16, 1840; his
parents were of English and German descent; Alvah and Catherine
(Moore) Smith, who settled in Madison County July 16, 1843.
The former is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his
parents when small. He is President of the Plain City Bank, of
which our subject has been cashier since 1876. Mr. Smith
was married, Sept. 5, 1861, to Melissa, daughter of Alvinand
Polly (Barlow) Dominy, and by his marriage has six children, four
living, viz: Katie, Alvin, Emery, Lawrence, Charles B., deceased,
and an infant, deceased. Mr. Smith owns 132 acres of land
in Canaan Township, six and a half miles south of Plain City. He carries
on farming, and deals extensively in stock. He is a pleasant
gentleman, a man of good business qualifications and a useful citizen.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
G. E. SPRING, farmer, P. O.
West Canaan, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1844; he is a
son of Peter and Elizabeth (Foland) Spring, natives of Harford
County, Md., who emigrated to Carroll County, Ohio. The father of
our subject was a native of Loudoun County, Va. His grandfather on
is mother's side was Benjamon Foland. His grandmother on
his mother's side was Elizabeth Denbow. Our subject owns
seventy-eight acres of land one mile east of Amity, and is a farmer by
occupation. He is a Republican in politics, and has been Township
Clerk, Assessor four yeas in Tuscarawas County, and taught school
seventy-two months. He was in Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, Company G, and participated in several battles. He was
married, Aug. 19, 1869, to Catharine daughter of Benjamin and
Elizabeth (Heater) Lehn natives of Warwick Township, Tuscarawas
County. She was born in 1858, and died April 21, 1877. By
this union there were four children, Viz.;: Laura E., Roy E., Arthur
R., and a daughter deceased. Mr. Spring was again
married, April 22, 1880, to Margaret (Worthington. By this
marriage there is one child, Bertha, born January 14, 882.
Mrs. Spring is a member of the Baptist Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
AUBURN
SMITH (deceased). In 1862, two brothers, Mincher and
John Littler, came from England to America, locating near
Philadelphia. There is a tradition in the family that these two belonged
to the colon} founded by William Penn. The son of John, John
Littler, Jr., settled near Winchester, Frederick County, Va.: he was
the father of ten children, one of whom. Ann Littler, was
born October 17. 1782. She was married in February, 1800, to Robert
Smith, also a native of Virginia, and a soldier in the war of
1812. Robert Smith's father, a widower, with part of his
children, emigrated from Virginia to this county, as early as 1804 or
1805, and occupied the land on Walnut Run, which belonged to the late
Samuel Watson. The children became dissatisfied, and
eventually dispersed, leaving the old gentleman alone, some going back
to Virginia and others going back toward the southern part of the State.
Robert and Ann Smith emigrated to this county with
five children, and had one born after their arrival. Mrs.
Smith's father, John Littler, had previous to this
purchased 4,000 acres of land in Union and Deer Creek Townships, paying
about 12{- cents per acre. Ann inherited from her father 200
acres, what is now known as the "Phifer farm," where she and
Robert lived. He died in 1816. about one year after their arrival.
They had six children —John, Rosanna, Rachael, James, Samuel and
Robert. Samuel is now living in Ligonier, Ind., and Rachael
married William T. Davidson, whose son is now the Superintendent
of the Infirmary. Mrs. Smith subsequently married
William Noteman, by whom she had five children. She died in
1826. Her son, James Smith, was born in Virginia, but was
reared in this county, coming here at the age of seven years. He learned
the cabinet-maker's trade, and in 1833 married Ann Rosser,
a native of England. They lived in Springfield for a time, and in
Somerford, but permanently located in London about 1844. In 1851, he
established himself in the drug business, and in 1854 lost most of his
stock by fire. He died in September of that year, leaving four children,
of whom Auburn, then aged fifteen, was the only son. He was born
in Somerford December 14, 1839; came to London when four years of age.
and resided here until his death. Having assisted his father in the drug
store, he became imbued with a liking for the business, and in 1865,
with J. S. Davidson, he purchased the Ridenour drug store.
Three years afterward, he became sole proprietor, operating one of the
largest and best regulated drug houses in Central Ohio. In 1870, he
began dealing in ice, hauling it from Deer Creek. About 1875, he made a
pond in the northern limits of London, and adjacent to the pond erected
three ice-houses, from which he supplied the home demand and shipped a
great deal of ice. He was married to Anna E., the third daughter
of E. V. Arnett, of West Jefferson, in 1863, and by her had five
children—Robert, Harriet, James, Arnett and Gertrude. Mr.
Smith was a strong adherent to the doctrine of Methodism, having
united himself with that church in 1864. He was for several years
Assistant Superintendent and a regular attendant of the Sabbath school,
and his whole church-work seemed to be devoted to the Missionary work
and Sabbath school. He was a loving father and husband, a good neighbor
and a most estimable citizen, whose place in life will not be easily
filled either in a social or commercial relation, and whose loss is
deeply felt and deplored by the church, State and community at large. He
died on Tuesday, October 10, 1882, of Bright's disease, from which he
had been suffering since 1876. The nature of his disease was unknown to
him until several years later.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
J. C. SMITH,
P. O. London, a prominent farmer and influential citizen of Oak Run
Township, was born in Christian County, Ky., April 7, 1817. He is a son
of William W. Smith, a native of Virginia, who emigrated to
Kentucky about 1815. After the birth of our subject, he went to
Rockingham County, Va., where he died in 1837. He married Elizabeth
Chrisman, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Jacob
and Barbara Chrisman. Mrs. Smith
was the mother of only one child, our subject, and departed this life
when he was but a few months old. The father then re turned to Virginia,
as previously stated, and Jacob C. lived with his grand-mother
till ten years of age. He was then taken by an uncle, with whom he
remained till of age. He obtained only a limited education, and when
twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, came to Ohio and engaged in
mercantile pursuits at South Charleston, Clark County. He remained there
nine years, and then came to Oak Run Township. He purchased what was
known as the "Oak Run Mill," running it for eighteen months. The mill
was then destroyed by tire, and Mr. Smith subsequently
removed to London, and was there engaged in business for six or seven
years. He then bought 228 acres of the old Chrisman land, and since
added to it until it now comprises 260 acres. Mr. Smith
formerly traded in stock, and deals largely in cattle and sheep. He has
on the farm about sixty head of cattle and 1,100 head of sheep.
He resides in a very neat and comfortable residence on
the farm, and is a man well esteemed by his
neighbors and friends. He is Republican in politics, and has officiated
as Trustee and School Director in
his township. He was married, March 14, 1844, to Amanda J. Evans,
a native of Clark County, but reared in this county, and a daughter of
Robert Evans (deceased). Nine children have been born to
them, only two surviving—Peyton R., a farmer and stock-raiser of
Douglas County, Kan., and William P., at home.
Peyton R. married Mrs. Myra Clark. They
have one child—Maud. Mr. Smith and wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JONATHAN M. SMITH, farmer, P. 0. London,
was born in Greene County, Ohio, October 1, 1847. He is a son of John
and Sophia (McFarland) Smith, the former a native of Maryland and the
latter of Ohio. Our subject received a common school education, mostly
in this county, and chose the occupation of a farmer, which he has since
followed. He was married, in 1875, to Rebecca M. Paine, a daughter of
Zadock and Martha (Mooney) Paine. They have had one child—Pearl Raymond.
Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics; he has held several minor
township offices, and is now one of the Trustees.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
PHILIP SPEASMAKER, London, a well-known
and popular hardware merchant of London, was born in Bavaria, Germany,
May 1, 1837. He is a son of Cassimere and Catherine Does Speasmaker,
both natives of Germany. Our subject was reared in his native land, and
there educated. At the age of fifteen years he came to America, and
apprenticed himself to learn the tinner's trade, at Brooktyn, N. Y. He
remained there three years, and then came direct to London, this county.
He was employed at his trade by John Dungan for one and a half years,
and then worked for C. D. Rayburn for a short time. He then purchased
the stock and trade (stove and tinware business) of his employer, and
has since been engaged in this business. This was in 1857, and it will
therefore be seen that Mr. Speasmaker is the oldest
merchant in his line of trade in London, and he certainly enjoys the largest trade. He
deals in all kinds of agricultural implements, hardware and manufactured
tinware, and as a business man is highly respected for his business
qualifications and strict integrity. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Lodge, Chapter and Council, of London, Palestine Commandery,
No. 33, Knights Templar, of Springfield, Ohio, and also of the I. O. O.
F. He is Democratic in political views; is a member of the Board of
Education of London, but no active politician. He was married, November
28, 1857, to Caroline Dies, a native of Franklin County, Ohio. They have
ten children, all living.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
J. B. SPRAGUE, London, a prominent physician and
surgeon of London, was born in Harmony Township, Clark County, Ohio,
June 15, 1821. His father, James Sprague, was a native of Massachusetts,
and came to Ohio, about 1816 or 1818. He was an early pioneer of Clark
County, residing eight miles east of Springfield until his death. He was
born December 9, 1784, and died July 10, 1844, leaving an estate of 360
acres, and considerable personal property. He married Polly Bailey, a
native of New Hampshire. Eight children were given them, five daughters
and three sons. Six of these are living today, four daughters and two
sons. Mrs. Sprague departed this life in 1871 or 1872. James B.
Sprague
was reared on a farm, receiving a high school education. He taught
school in early life for seven years at different intervals, and during
the latter part of this time studied medicine for two years with Dr.
Rogers (now deceased), of Springfield, Ohio. He then took a course of
lectures, studied another year, then a second course of lectures, and in
1851 graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. He first
located at Vienna Cross Roads, Clark County, Ohio, and after a few years
engaged in the practice of his profession with Dr. Burkley Gillett, of
Springfield. The latter died a year later, and our subject then went to Plattsburg, and subsequently to Vienna Cross Roads once more. In 1871,
he came to London, where he has since resided, and been engaged in
attending to a very fair practice. In June, 1862, Dr. Sprague went into
the United States service, as Assistant Surgeon of the Twenty-seventh
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in that position nearly three years. By
his own consent, he was detailed as surgeon of a colored regiment. They
were located on the banks of a stream in the South, and soon after the
measles and small-pox broke out among them. Dr. Sprague vaccinated over
four hundred of them, and never lost a man by either disease, although
some of the men had both diseases at the same time. He remained with
them two or three months and then returned home. Dr. Sprague was
formerly and is now a member of the Clark County Medical Society, and is
also connected with the State and Madison Societies of a like nature. He
is thoroughly Democratic in his political views, and once, while a
resident of Clark County, served as Justice of the Peace. He was
married, November 8, 1843, to Sarah, daughter of Isaac Chamberlain, an
old and respected pioneer of Clark County. Of the six children born to
Dr. and Mrs. Sprague, only two are living—Cecelia F. (wife of
William H Wragg, of Plattsburg, Clark County, Ohio), and Milton C. (a graduate of
the Cincinnati Medical College, and a practicing physician of Somerford,
this county). Dr. Sprague has been a member of the Masonic order since
about 1845, having been initiated at Fielding Lodge, South Charleston,
Ohio. He is now a member of the Lodge, Chapter and Council at London,
and of Mt Vernon Commandery at Columbus. He has taken the first eighteen
and the Scottish Rite degrees, and will soon advance, if his life is
spared, to the thirty-second degree. His connection with the I O. O. F.
has been equally as long and honorable.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
W. S. SQUIRES, of
W. S. Squires & Co., grocers,
London, was born in London, Madison County, January 2, 1844. His father,
W. H. Squires, was a native of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, who came
to London at an early day and there carried on the saddler and harness
trade for a number of years. He subsequently learned the dental trade,
and also kept a hotel at London and Dayton for ten or twelve years. He
died in London January 15, 1870. He married Catherine Phifer, a native
of Virginia, who bore him eight children, two now living—Laura (widow of
L. Of. McCollum, deceased), and our subject. Mrs. Squires is still
living, and resides in a large and comfortable residence in west part of
London, at sixty -seven years of age. Our subject grew to manhood in his
native city, receiving a good education. When young, he rented land of
H. W. Smith, and "farmed it" for five years. He farmed eight years
altogether and then came to London and engaged in the livery business.
He subsequently learned paper-hanging, and worked at that and painting
for about ten years. Then, in company with his brother-in-law, L. G.
McCollum, he purchased the grocery stock and trade of Isaac G. Peetrey,
May 9, 1882, the firm remaining as Squires & McCollum until August 26,
1882, when it was dissolved. The firm of W. S. Squires & Co. was then
formed, and they have since conducted the business with fair success.
Mr. Squires is Democratic in politics. He was married November 14, 1867,
to Ellen A., daughter of H. W. Smith, a prominent attorney of London and
Madison County. Of their three children, two are living—Jeanette and
Catherine. Mrs. Squires is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
W. H. Squires raised Company K, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, and accompanied it to the field. He finally became
Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. Our subject enlisted in Company K,
Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from Cincinnati, serving three
years and three months and being mustered out with the rank of Sergeant.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JOHN STAHL, London, the second oldest merchant
in the boot and shoe line in London, was born in Germany April 11, 1831.
His father, Henry Stahl, died in that country. Our subject was reared in
Germany, and when of age came to America. He first located at
Cincinnati, where he learned the shoe-maker's trade. He remained there
only a short time, and then went to Covington, Ky., just across the
river. Some time after, he went to Richmond, Ind., and in July, 1857,
came to London. He started a little shop for repairing purposes, and
gradually worked himself into the retail trade, until now, he carries a
very large stock and enjoys a custom in proportion. Mr. Stahl has done
away with manufacturing and is still located on the spot where he first
commenced business in London twenty-five years ago. He is one of the
oldest members of the Catholic Church of London, and Trustee of the
Catholic Benevolent Society. Politically, Mr. Stahl is Democratic, but
has never aspired to office. He was united in marriage, March 19, 1857,
to Mary Weber, native of Germany. Of the twelve children born to this
union, ten are living—John P. (with father in business), Lizzie, Edward,
Annie, Flora, Charlie, Frank, Walter, Benedict and Lee. William and
Harry are deceased. Wife and family are also members of the church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
A. J. STRAIN, physician and surgeon, London, was
born at Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, January 3,1845. He is a son
of Allan Strain, a native of South Carolina, whose father was John C.
Strain, also a native of South Carolina, whose parents were from
Pennsylvania. John C. Strain came to Highland County, Ohio, in 1809,
where he lately died at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His son,
Allan Strain, the father of our subject, has been a farmer through life,
and now resides in that county at seventy-five years of age. He married
Eliza McMillen, a native of Highland County, and daughter of William and
Margaret Linn McMillen, the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania,
and daughter of a Mrs. Gettis, near Gettysburg. Allan and
Eliza Strain
were the parents of eight children—four now living. Mother died in
December, 1880. Our subject is the seventh child and fourth son of these
parents, and grew to manhood on a farm in Highland County, to which his
father removed when our subject was but ten years of age. He obtained a
fair education at South Salem Academy, in Ross County, Ohio, and at
twenty-three years of age commenced the study of medicine with an uncle
Dr. W. A Strain, of Greenfield, Ohio. Two years later, he entered the
Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating there from in March,
1873. He first located for practice at Danville, Highland County, and
seven months later, went to South Salem, Ross County, where he remained
two and a half years. In October, 1876, he came to London and became
associated in practice with an uncle, a practicing physician of Madison
County for thirty-five years. Two years later, this partnership was
dissolved, and since that period Dr. Strain has been alone in his
practice, having met with fair success. He is a member of the Ohio State
Medical Society, and has been a member and Secretary of the Madison
County Medical Society for the past two and a half years. Politically,
Dr. Strain is Republican. He is also a member of the Presbyterian Church
and the Knights of Honor. He was married, January 7,1880, to Mary,
daughter of Washington Wilson, of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Strain is also
a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
T. S. STRICKLAND, agent I. B. & W. Railway,
London, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, October 3, 1845. He is a son
of Franklin M. Strickland, a native of Vermont, who located in Ohio
about 1840. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in 18&2, when but
twenty-nine years of age. He married Hannah Chapel, a native of
Connecticut. They were the parents of three children, all living, and
our subject, the only one in Madison County. Mrs. Strickland
subsequently married Rodney Mason, and one child was born to them, now
deceased. Mrs. Mason resides with our subject in the sixty-sixth year of
her age. T. S. was reared in Sandusky County, and early in life was in
the commission business at Clyde, Ohio, under the firm name of M. C.
Beamer & Co. This was in 1866. He remained with the firm six months, and
then engaged in the clothing business. In the fall of 1869, he went to
Iowa, coming back to Ohio in the fall of 1870. He was next employed by
the L. S. & M. S. R. R., at Clyde, Ohio, in the capacity of baggage man
and yardman. He remained in that position until the spring of 1878, when
he came to London, and on April 1, accepted the position of agent of the
C. S. & C. R. R. On May 1, 1881, this road was purchased by the I. B. &
W., Mr. Strickland still retaining his position. Since he took charge of
the London office, he has labored earnestly and faithfully to secure
better facilities to shippers to and from this point, and to the
increase of public travel. It is safe to say his efforts have met with
good and increasing success Mr. Strickland is a member of the Lodge and
Encampment (I. O. O. F.), and Republican in politics. He was married the
first Tuesday in 1867, to Kate Stokes, a native of Sandusky County,
Ohio. They have two children--Franklin and Elta.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JOHN STROUP was a native of
Pennsylvania, and settled on the Buffenberger land about 1810,
where he remained through life. He devoted his life to farming; had a
family of five sons and two daughters; one now survives, and is a
resident of Range Township, now Widow Nancy Timmons.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
A. M. SURBAUGH, farmer,
P. O. Cross Roads, was born in Kane County, Ill., February 3, 1854, and
is a son of David and Elizabeth (Shafer) Surbaugh, natives of
West Virginia, where the former was born May 18, 1821, and the latter
January 14, 1822. They were married in West Virginia in 1844, and
in 1853 moved to Kane County, Ill. In 1860, they returned to
Virginia, and in 1862 came to Ohio. In 1868, they moved to
Missouri, and in 1875 settled in Madison County, Ohio. Our
subject, when twenty-one years of age, commenced farming at $20 per
month; then began for himself as a renter, and finally purchased the
property where he now resides. On May 18, 1878, he married
Amanda Linson, a daughter of Benjamin Linson (deceased),
whose sketch appears in this work. By this union three children
were born June 25, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Surbaugh are members
of the Christian Church.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
JERIAH SWETLAND, London, one of the more
prominent retired merchants of this village, was born in Springfield,
Sullivan County, N. H., April 28, 1817. His grandparents on his father's
side were Jeriah Swetland and Mary Burnham, the latter of whom was an
heir to a vast estate in England. One of their sons, Roswell Swetland,
was boi^p. in Connecticut, was a miller by trade and a farmer by
occupation. He resided in New Hampshire during his natural life, and
there married Naomi Rockwell, also a native of Connecticut. Of the ten
children born to bless this union, only three are living—our subject, a
sister in San Francisco, Cal., and a brother in New Hampshire. Mrs.
Swetland died in 1858, and her husband two years later (1860). Jeriah
Swetland was the ninth child and fourth son of this large family, and
consequently he did not receive the educational training afforded some
of the older members of the family. He resided with his parents until
nineteen years of age, and then learned the saddler and harness trade,
working at that in his native village for eight years. On August 4,
1843, he arrived in London, and soon after engaged in mercantile
pursuits, continuing in such two years. In 1847, he went to Pickaway
County, and in 1850 to Mt. Sterling, in Pleasant Township, this county.
In 1856, he returned to London, and again engaged in mercantile
pursuits, this time associating himself in business with William H.
Chandler, Sr. In 1866, Mr. Swetland disposed of his interest and retired
from business, although the partnership between the two gentlemen has
never yet been dissolved. They still own property together. Mr. Swetland,
while in business, was very successful in a financial way, and at
present owns a half-interest in 185 acres of good land, and also in
Swetland and Dixon's business block, in London, and eight acres of home
property, upon which is located a very large and comfortable residence.
Mr. Swetland was made a member of the Masonic fraternity
in 1850, and is connected by membership with the Lodge, Chapter and
Council, at London. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and
in 1856 was made a member of Mt. Vernon Commandery, Knights Templar, of Columbus, Ohio,
the finest organization of its kind in the State. Politically, Mr.
Swetland is an able advocate of Democratic principles, and in 1867-68
and 1868-69 represented his district in the Ohio Legislature, being the
only Democrat in Madison County elected on the "straight ticket." He has
also been a member of the Village Council of London. Mr. Swetland became
a member of the Supreme Lodge, American Legion of Honor some years ago.
He was united in marriage, May 28. 1841, to Arabella Fellows, who was
born at Hanover, N. H., February 5, 1816. Three children were born to
them, all deceased—Isabella Miranda, born in Lebanon, N. H., June 20,
1842, died in London August 26, 1848: William Jeriah, born at
Palestine, Ohio, July 1, 1848, died in London February 12, 1857; Sarah
Willis was born at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, May 11, 1851, died in London
September 7, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Swetland are earnest and consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.
Source: History of Madison County, Ohio - Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.,
1883 |
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