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John Milton Sperry

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John Milton Sperry

Birth	:	3 Mar 1821 Knox County, Ohio, USA
Death	:	12 Oct 1901
Burial	:	Chapel Green Roman Catholic Cemetery, Codroy, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate	:	47.8506520, -59.2844550
Description	:	Age 80y 7m 9d JOHN M. SPERRY, of Sperry Station, Des Moines County, Iowa. We take pleasure in I recording this sketch of this prominent and highly respected citizen, who is a merchant and also Postmaster of Sperry Station, which village he founded. It is located in the central part of the northwest quarter of section 13, Franklin Township, and contains two general merchandise stores; two churches. Baptist and Methodist, both in a flourishing condition; has one practicing physician, and sixty-three inhabitants. The subject of this sketch was born March 3, 1821, in Knox County, Ohio, and is a son of... Read More	Age 80y 7m 9d JOHN M. SPERRY, of Sperry Station, Des Moines County, Iowa. We take pleasure in I recording this sketch of this prominent and highly respected citizen, who is a merchant and also Postmaster of Sperry Station, which village he founded. It is located in the central part of the northwest quarter of section 13, Franklin Township, and contains two general merchandise stores; two churches. Baptist and Methodist, both in a flourishing condition; has one practicing physician, and sixty-three inhabitants. The subject of this sketch was born March 3, 1821, in Knox County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Wilson) Sperry, both of whom were natives of Virginia, the father of German ancestry and the mother of Irish descent. Jacob Sperry was one of the prominent men of his day, and was a member of the Baptist Church. Seven children were born of his union with Mary Wilson, as follows: Maria, deceased wife of Daniel Ferry, who is a resident of Licking County, Ohio; Albert, a farmer of Knox County, Ohio; Peter W., a banker of Utica. Ohio; Isaac, a wealthy farmer residing near Mount Vernon, in that State; John M.; Eliza, wife of James Campbell, also a wealthy farmer residing in Knox County; and Angeline, deceased wife of Theophilus Reece, a farmer of Licking County. The father of this family removed to Knox County, Ohio, about the year 1808, there purchasing a tract of wild land, 100 acres in extent, which he immediately began to cultivate, and soon developed into a fine farm. He became one of the extensive land owners of that county, and being a lenient and charitable man, on selling a farm he would give the purchaser his own time in which to pay. Not only did Mr. Sperry aid in the improvement of the land, but he supported liberally all public enterprises of the county. Social, educational and religious interests found in him a friend, and in the church especially he was an active worker. Almost his entire life he was a member of the Baptist Church, and for many years was one of its Deacons. He and his wife met a most untimely death. While returning from a visit to Mount Venon, Ohio, a collision occurred on the Baltimore & Ohio road, in which Mrs. Sperry was instantly killed, the husband being taken to his son Peter's house in Utica, where he died four weeks later. The sudden deaths of this worthy couple excited much sympathy, and was sincerely mourned by a host of friends, to whom their many excellent qualities had greatly endeared them. John M. Sperry received his education in an old log school-house, which was located on a bluff of the Licking Creek in Knox County, Ohio. The educational advantages of those early days were limited, and Mr. Sperry could only attend school during the winter, being obliged to work upon the farm through the summer months. On the day on which he attained his majority his father began paying him wages for his labor, and he remained at home for two years after that time. He then began farming for himself, but disposing of his interests in that county in 1851, he wended his way to Illinois, and from thence proceeded to St. Louis, crossing the river at Nauvoo, III. He traveled through Iowa, and reaching Des Moines County, with its beautiful prairies, streams and forests, he decided to make this his home, purchasing 140 acres of land on section 10, Franklin Township, upon which was but a one-room frame house. While on his travels through Southern Illinois, Mr. Sperry had formed the acquaintance of Miss Julia Penn, of St. Clair County. Returning again to that county, their marriage was there celebrated, and they at once began their domestic life upon the new farm in Des Moines County. After a short married life of about a year, the death of the young wife occurred in 1853, and in 1855 Mr. Sperry was again married. Miss Martha Gelett, a native of this county, becoming his wife. Once more Mr. Sperry was left alone, his wife being called to her final home in 1857. A third time he was united in marriage, this union being with Emma N. Cousins, a native of Crawford County, Ill., and daughter of Edward and Adeline (Fitch) Cousins, both now deceased. By this union nine children have been born: Minnie, a noble young lady died at the age of eighteen ; Jacob E., who married Mrs. Mattie Williams, of Osceola, Iowa, is a locomotive engineer, and one of the most trusted men in the employ of the B., C. R. & N. road ; Rose, wife of William McCullough, now in the Government employ; Kate and Bertie P., at home; John, a promising young man, died at the age of eighteen ; Bazaine, Maud and Peter still reside with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry have taken great pains in educating their children, who do honor to their name. A man of superior business ability and of excellent judgment and foresight. Mr. Sperry has accumulated a comfortable property. By good management he has added to his first purchase of 140 acres until he is now the owner of 934 broad acres, 759 of which are situated in this county, and 175 near Des Moines City. Besides his farm, Mr. Sperry has been closely identified with other important interests of the county. He was the founder and was elected president of the Burlington Insurance Company in its infancy, and under his management the company became very prosperous. In 1869 he staked out Sperry Station, and in 1874 set out a park of four acres at his own expense, now containing 656 fine maple trees, and around which is a circular drive sixty feet wide, making a most attractive feature of the village. Mr. Sperry created the office at Sperry, was the first and only Postmaster, with the exception of about four years, having held or controlled the office for seventeen years. He is engaged in the mercantile business, and by fair and upright dealing has gained the confidence of his patrons and friends. With the tile factory, which manufactures as good a quality of that article as can be found in this part of the State, he is also connected. He has held various township offices of trust, has been Justice of the Peace for most of the time for twenty-five years. Notary Public for the past fifteen years, and, politically, is a stanch Republican, having affiliated with that party since 1860. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty years, and he and his family are members of the Baptist Church. In all public enterprises Mr. Sperry is an active, energetic worker, and no one stands higher in the respect and confidence of the people of this community than does he. Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Des Moines County, Iowa, Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp. 251-252.(per request of pmfrench (#47453952) John M. Sperry was born in Ohio in 1821. He located in this county on some wild land, with a capital of four thousand dollars. In 1858 he married Imogene Cosens. They have eight children. Mr. Sperry was educated in the common schools ; working in the summer and attending in the winter. By industry and close attention to work he has acquired a capital of forty thousand dollars. He has located a town on the B. C. R. & Minn. R. R. ; it is named in honor of him; situated twelve miles from Burlington. Mr. Sperry is a strong Baptist, and a zealous worker in the church. In politics, seeking the man and party that will better the condition of himself and countrymen.. Source: An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Des Moines County, Iowa, A.T. Andreas, Lakeside Building, Corner Clark & Adams Sts., Chicago, Ill., 1873, p. 39. (per request of pmfrench (#47453952)

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is John Milton Sperry's memorial?
John Milton Sperry's memorial is located at: Chapel Green Roman Catholic Cemetery, Codroy, St Georges Census Division, Canada.
When did John Milton Sperry death?
John Milton Sperry death on 12 Oct 1901 in
Where are the coordinates of the John Milton Sperry's memorial?
Latitude: 47.8506520
Longitude: -59.2844550

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Julia Penn Sperry

(unknow - 1853)

Martha Gillett Sperry

(1836 - 1857)

Imogene Cousins Sperry

(1836 - 1917)

Siblings

Mrs Maria Sperry Forry

(1814 - 1863)

Children

Lulu Katheryn “Kate” Sperry Kaster

(1863 - 1951)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Chapel Green Roman Catholic Cemetery
Codroy, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.8506520, -59.2844550

2. Mount Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Cemetery
Great Codroy, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.8518410, -59.2780330

3. Saint Andrews Roman Catholic Cemetery
Codroy, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.8546194, -59.2470139

4. Saint Sylvester's Cemetery
South Branch, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.9205780, -59.0232277

5. Salvation Army New Cemetery
Channel-Port aux Basques, South Coast Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.6081670, -59.1861670

6. Anglican Cemetery 1901 to 1931
Isle aux Morts, South Coast Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.5847550, -58.9751830

7. Anglican Cemetery
Isle aux Morts, South Coast Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.5847960, -58.9677700

8. Cemetery On the Bank Old
Highlands, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.1738385, -58.9301237

9. St. Davids-St. Michaels & All Angels Churchyard
Saint David's, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.2129037, -58.8641001

10. Rose Blanche Cemetery
Rose Blanche, South Coast Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.6151360, -58.6968710

11. Harbour Le Cou Cemetery
Harbour Le Cou, South Coast Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.6225835, -58.6877953

12. Hillside Haven Anglican Cemetery
Isle aux Morts, South Coast Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 47.6233111, -58.6830361

13. MacKay's Cemetery
St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.2410385, -58.8296060

14. St. George's Anglican Cemetery
Robinsons, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.2488132, -58.8143304

15. Robinsons-St. Georges Anglican Church Grounds
Robinsons, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.2499333, -58.8096410

16. Heatherton - United Church Cemetery
Heatherton, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.2833521, -58.7511794

17. Our Lady Of The Cape Parish DeGrau Cemetery
De Grau, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.4822385, -59.1879368

18. Sheaves Cove Roman Catholic Cemetery
Sheaves Cove, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.5203170, -59.0668760

19. Lower Cove RC Cemetery
Lower Cove, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.5242431, -59.0904063

20. Mainland Roman Catholic Cemetery
Mainland, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.5484414, -59.2070883

21. Ship Cove RC Cemetery
Ship Cove, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.5182594, -58.9518355

22. St. Anne's RC Cemetery
Flat Bay West, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.3968374, -58.6008993

23. Saint Theresa's Cemetery
Flat Bay, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.3988100, -58.5891000

24. St. Joseph's RC Cemetery Old
Saint-George's, St Georges Census Division, Canada
Coordinate: 48.3768139, -58.5489664