JOHN
J. SPEARMAN,
numbered not only among the oldest residents of Mercer county but
also among the best and most universally known men of the county, is
deserving of more than a passing notice in the history of Mercer county
and its prominent people. In former years Mr. Spearman was foremost among
the iron manufacturers and for many years has been identified with the
banking interests of Sharon. He is a native of Mc Kee’s Gap, Blair
county, Pennsylvania, born there December 17, 1824— more than four score
years ago. His parents were Francis and Elizabeth
(Ambrose) Spearman. The father was born in Kent county, Maryland,
of English origin. The mother was born near McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania.
They came to Mercer in 1852, where the father died. The mother died at
Middlesex and was buried at Mercer. By occupation, the father was a
miller. This worthy couple reared a family of eight children, of whom two
were sons and six daughters.
The early
advantages of John J. Spearman for an
education were limited and confined to two terms in the early-day common
schools. But notwithstanding this, by reason of his large business
experience and mingling with men of letters and affairs generally, as well
as through the avenues of observation, hooks and papers, he has gained a
most valuable information on subjects of general import. Very early in
life he was thrown on his own resources. At the age of fourteen he became
a clerk in the mercantile establishment of David
Puterbaugh, of Woodbury, Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Here he
remained for three years, and then accepted employment in 1841 with Dr.
Peter Shoenberger, a prominent manufacturer of iron in those days,
at the Rebecca and other furnaces and Maria forges, in Blair county,
Pennsylvania. Here Mr. Spearman gained his first practical experience in
the manufacture of iron, and six years were spent in the said employment.
In January, 1847, Mr.
Spearman assumed charge of the business management of the Sharon
furnaces, which was operated at that time by Shoenberger,
Agnew & Co. This position he held for a period of six years,
and in 1853 he purchased the Mazeppa furnace, near Mercer, Pennsylvania,
which he operated until 1859, when he accepted the position of manager of
the Sharpsville furnace, which position he held for three years. In 1862
he became manager of the iron interests of James
Wood & Sons, at Wheatland, and the following year took, an
interest as a partner in the business, the style of the firm being James
Wood, Sons & Co. This business relation continued until August,
1870, when it was severed. Mr. Spearman moved to Sharon, where, in 1872,
he organized the Spearman Iron Company and built the Spearman furnaces at
Sharpsville, becoming general manager of the same. This was a partnership
concern up to 1895, when it was incorporated and in 1901 the property was
sold, at which time Mr. Spearman retired from the iron industry, closing a
half century in this business. In i868 he was prominent in the
organization of the First National Bank of
Sharon, the first president of
which banking house was George Prather, who died in the autumn of 1871. He
was succeeded by Mr. Spearman as president of the bank, and this position
he has held ever since January, 1872.
March 12, 1851, Mr.
Spearman was united in marriage to Cordelia
Breed, a daughter of Jabish Breed, of
Sharon. Five children were born of this union, two of whom are deceased: Celesta,
married David Adams; Eva, at home; Chloe,
wife of W. D. McKeefrey; Francis,
who died in 1896; Benjamin, residing at Grove
City, Pennsylvania. Politically, Mr. Spearman
votes the Republican ticket. In Masonic circles he has long been an
advanced Mason and member of the Knights Templar degree. He was one of the
charter members of Sharon Lodge No. 347, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
This gentleman has
passed through a long and successful business career and notes many
changes in the production of iron since he first embarked in the business.
He has ever been a reliable man, a good citizen and now in his declining
years has the satisfaction of looking back on a well spent life, such as
may well serve as a pattern for the rising young men, who would do well to
follow in his footsteps.
Twentieth Century
History of Mercer County, 1909,
pages 363-364.
