ABRAHAM P SHERWOOD CHAPMAN DUNHAM FOSTER GRIPPS HARVEY HAYGREEN JEFFORDS McKELLAR PEASE WARNER WRIGHT Abraham P. SHERWOOD, who for many years was actively identified with the agricultural interests of Kane Co., but is now living retired at #226 Hamilton Ave., Elgin, was born in the town of Sweden, Erie co., NY, July 5 1827. His father, John SHERWOOD, was a native of the same state, born April 6, 1790, and was a son of Hezekiah SHERWOOD. In 1836 John SHERWOOD, who was a carpenter by trade left NY and removed to Canada, but 10 years later came to Kane co. Ill., making the journey by boat from Chatham, Canada, to Detroit, and thence overland to Chicago and Kane Co., being 22 days en route. On his arrival, his cash capital consisted of about 10 dollars, but he rented a farm in Plato and Campton townships and began life in ernest on the western frontier. A year later he purchased 80 acres of land on Section 19, Plato township, and to the cultivation and improvement of his place he devoted his energies until called to his final rest on the 20th of May, 1879. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and at the battle of Kings Mountains was taken prisoner, but was soon paroled and sent home. In early life he was a Democrat, but being a strong Union man he joined the Republican party about the time of its organization, and continued one of its stanch supporters. In religious belief he was a Methodist. John SHERWOOD was twice married, his first union being with Sybil JEFFORDS, by whom he had 3 children. For his second wife, he married Sarah PEASE, a Daughter of Abraam and Sarah DUNHAM PEASE, and to them were born 6 children, namely: Seth, who was for many years a partner of our supject in business; Abraham P., of this sketch; Melton, a resident of California; Martha, wife of Charles HARVEY of the same state; John, a resident of Nebraska; and Mary, deceased. Mr. SHERWOOD, of this review, began his education in the public schools of NY, and later attended the subscription schools of Canada, but as his father was in rather limited ciercumstances his school privileges were meager, and he is almost wholly self-educated. At the age of 19 years he accompanied the family on their emigration to Kane Co., and he and his oldest brother assisted the father in paying for his 80 acre farm. Later the sons embarked in business on their own account, at first renting a tract of 160 acres which they successfully operated. Meeting with success in this undertaking, they purchased land and being thrifty, energetic and of good business ability, they were soon able to add to their original purchase, increasing the boundaries of their land from time to time until they had nearly 2000 acres at the time of the division of the property. Their success was marvelous when compared with the careers of others who began life with them under far more advantageous conditions. Besides general farming, Abraham P. SHERWOOD was interested in dairying, and also in buying, feeding and shipping cattle. He continued to engage in active business until 1891, wen, having secured a comfortable competence, he laid aside business cares, leaseding some of his land,while other tracts he gave to his sons. Since then he has lived retired at his pleasant home at @226 Hamilton Ave. Elgin. On Nov. 11, 1852, Mr. SHERWOOD was married in Plato township to Miss Phoebe Ann WRIGHT, a native of NY and a daughter of E. Baldwin and Eliza FOSTER WRIGHT. Her father, who was a soldier of the War of 1812, was a son of Solomon and Zelpha WRIGHT. Her maternal grandparents were James and Phoebe FOSTER. To Mr and Mrs SHERWOOD born 6 children, as follows: George W. married Lilllie WARNER and is engaged in farming on Sect. 30 Plato township. ; John B., who is also engaged in farming on the same section, married Jennie McKELLAR and has 2 children - John Leroy and Harry; Margaret is the wife of A.M. CHAPMAN, of Elgin; Lewis H. married Etta HAYGREEN and lives in Elgin; Benjamin A. a farmer on sect. 25 Burlington Township, married Etta GRIPPS and has 2 children - Dewitt and Gracie; and Elizabeth Ann died at the age of 2 yrs. Although an ardent Republican in politics, Mr. SHERWOOD has always refused to accept office of any kind, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his extensive business interests. His life record is one well worthy of emulation and contains many valuable lessons of incentive, showing the possibilities that are open to young men who wish to improve every opportunity for advancement. Upright and onorable in all relations of life, he merits and receives the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. Mrs. SHERWOOD is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Illinois 1898 S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago pg. 255 Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above parties. Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.