JAMES SUMMER SHERMAN
The subject of this sketch is a prosperous farmer of Scott Township and a well-known gentleman, who has made a success of his calling and who holds a large place in the esteem and confidence of the people of his neighborhood. He is a native of Chautauqua County, New York, where his birth occurred on the 3rd day of September 1844, being the second of two children born to Richard D. and Phoebe (Summer) Sherman, both of that county and state, the father a tanner and shoemaker by occupation. These parents grew up and married in the above county and some time after the birth of their children they moved to Geneva, Ohio, but not being satisfied there, returned to New York at the end of two years, and spent the remainder of their lives near their native place, Mrs. Sherman dying in 1856. Subsequently Mr. Sherman married Jane Barney, of Chautauqua County, who is still living, his death having occurred in the year 1889. Mrs. Lucy Reed, the older of the two children born of the first marriage, is deceased, James S. of this review being the second in order of birth. Richard D. Sherman was a skillful workman, reputable citizen and had a large number of friends where he was born and grew to maturity. Originally a Whig, he afterwards became a Republican and so continued to the end of his days, though never figuring very actively as a politician nor aspiring to official position or leadership. He was a worthy communicant of the Baptist church and manifested his religious faith in his daily life as he mingled with his fellow men.
James S. Sherman spent his childhood and youth in his native county, and enjoyed such educational advantages as the public schools afforded. He remained with his father until about thirteen years old, when he left the parental roof and for several years thereafter lived with William Reed. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Harriett J. Chase, daughter of John Chase, of Fulton County, New York, and the same year came to Fayette County, Iowa, locating in Scott township, where he purchased eighty acres of wild land which he at once proceeded to improve and which in due time he brought to a high state of cultivation and converted into one of the best farms of its size in that part of the country.
Mr. Sherman’s first residence was a small affair of the most primitive pattern, but as prosperity attended him he subsequently added to the acreage of this farm and erected the fine, modern dwelling which the family now occupy, also a commodious barn and other outbuildings, his place at this time being well improved, and, to all appearances, one of the most beautiful and desirable homes in this township. As a farmer Mr. Sherman easily ranks among the enterprising and successful men of his calling in Fayette County, being progressive in his methods and fully abreast of the times on all matters pertaining to agricultural science. He raises considerable livestock, devoting special attention to the finer breeds of cattle, horses and hogs and seldom fails to realize handsome returns from both branches of his vocation. In politics he is pronounced in his allegiance to the Republican Party, and is proud of having cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, and is firm in the belief that the principles which he advocates are for the best interests of the American people. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and, though by no means an office seeker, he served his township several years as trustee and made an honorable records as a public servant. Religiously, he belongs to the Union church at Stanley, with which body of worshipers his wife has also identified.
Mrs. Sherman departed this life on March 11, 1903, leaving besides her husband four children to mourn her loss. Lola, the oldest of the number, was born March 8, 1882, married Wilbur H. Clark, and is the mother of four offspring, namely: Carrie, Harriett, Annie and Dorris; James, the second of the subject’s children, is single and lives at home. Ray R., the third in order of birth, married Annie Irvin and is the father of two daughters, who answer to the names of Dorothy and Ruth. He is cashier of the Stanley Exchange Bank and a young man of fine business ability. Grace, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Edward Stinson and the mother of one son, to whom has been given the name of Gerald.
History of Fayette County, Iowa, 1910
Pages 1466 – 1468
Typed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Doris A. Smith
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