1914 Delaware Counties History pgs. 342-345
Frank L. Sly
Frank L. Sly in both the paternal and maternal lines represents two of the old
and prominent pioneer families of Delaware county and
is well known as a progressive and enterprising farmer of Delaware township,
where he operates the Sly homestead of two hundred and eighty acres. He was born
on this farm, August 1, 1888, a son of Luther and Mary H.
(Acers) Sly.
The father
was born in Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, November 2, 1849, and at the age of
sixteen years came with his parents, John D. and Martha (Bartlett) Sly, both
now deceased, to Delaware county, where his father
purchased what was known as the D. W. Jones farm, which has since been in possession
of the Sly family. The family soon became one of prominence in this community
and bore an active part in the development of this section.
On the home
farm Luther Sly was reared and he was early trained in the duties and cares of
the home place. He was married on Christmas day of 1874 to Miss Mary H. Acers,
who was born in Delaware county, March 16, 1851, a daughter
of George and Charlotte V. (Scott) Acers, the former a son of William E. Acers.
George Acers was a native of Herkimer county, New York, born April 23,
1818, and
he was there married, April 23, 1848. Two years later he and his wife
came to Delaware county and located on a farm on which
the city of Manchester now stands, but in 1852 he removed
to another farm, where he continued to live until called from this life. Mr.
Sly continued actively in the cultivation of his farm until his sudden demise, which
occurred from heart disease while at work in the field, on the 5th of April,
1910, when sixty-one years of age. He was a member of Manchester Lodge, No.
165, A. F. & A. M., and of the Congregational church. To Mr. and Mrs.
Luther Sly were born three sons, of whom our subject is the youngest. The
others are: George D., who was born in 1876 and died in 1894; and Harry J.,
whose birth occurred August 2, 1879. The latter is a farmer in Delaware township.
He married Hannah Evans and they have one child, Harry E. Mrs. Luther Sly still
survives and continues to make her home on the farm, which is now owned by herself and son Frank. She is also a member of the Congregational
church.
Frank L.
Sly, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the home place and was
early set to the tasks incident to the farm. His preliminary education was
acquired in the common schools and after completing the high-school course he
attended the Agricultural College at Ames, where he obtained a scientific
knowledge and understanding of the best methods of agriculture. He returned to
the home farm and thereafter worked with his father in the cultivation of two
hundred and eighty acres until the death of the latter, since which time he has
had entire charge, now owning the place with his mother. This is one of the
attractive and productive farm properties of the locality, for Mr. Sly keeps
the buildings in good repair, while his fields are likewise cultivated
according to modern and scientific methods. He also gives much attention to
stock-raising.
Mr. Sly was
married on the 21st of June, 1911, to Miss Jennie E. Croyle, a native of Honey Creek township, Delaware county,
and a daughter of John and Ellen (Wolfe) Croyle, both
still residing in this locality. An interesting little daughter, Vivian Marie,
born August 30, 1912, is the light and life of the Sly household.
Mr. Sly
gives his political support to the republican party,
and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church, while his wife holds
membership in the Methodist church. His fraternal relations are with the
Masons. He is happy in his home and his associates and does not regret having
taken up his life work amid the scenes with which he was familiar in his
boyhood.
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