Biography of Orton A. Sperry
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO
Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]
Page 137
ORTON A. SPERRY, attorney-at-law and Notary Public of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, has the honor of being a native of the Buckeye State. He was born in Wayne Township, Fayette County, December 27, 1861, and is the son of John and Sarah J. (Harper) Sperry, the former a native of Ross County, and the latter of Fayette County. When our subject was an infant, his parents removed to Shelby County, Ill, where his father died in 1864. The mother, with her two sons, then returned to the home of her father, Robert Harper. Our subject's brother John and himself spent their boyhood days in the home of their grandfather.
Orton Sperry worked at farm labor during the summer months, and attended the village school of Good Hope in the winter season. thus his time was passed until nineteen years of age, when his grandfather began paying him for his services. He saved his money, and in the fall of 1882 went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and took a course of study in Eastman's Business College, from which he was graduated in March, 1883. it had long been his desire to read law, but his grandfather opposed this plan and compromised on a business course. After graduating, Mr. Sperry found it difficult to secure a position, and so returned to the farm, where he remained until the spring of 1885. He then embarked in merchandising for himself, buying a half-interest in a country store in Good Hope, but after eighteen months he sold out and returned to the farm for his grandfather needed his help.
In that year, Mr. Sperry saw his long-cherished desire in the way of fulfillment. He entered the law office of Worthington & Marchant, of Washington C. H., and in October, 1888, became a student in the Cincinnati Law School. Entering the senior class, he was graduated in May, 1889, and then returned to Washington C. H., where he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession for one year. He came to Mt. Sterling in May, 1890. He had no influential friends or money to give him a start, and during the first six weeks his fees amounted to only twenty-five cents, but since that time a consistantly increasing patronage has rewarded his efforts, and he is now doing a good business, his practice building up rapidly.
Mr. Sperry was married September 16, 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss May Vance, of Washington C. H. She was born in Fayette County, Ohio, May 17, 1871, and is a daughter of I. J. and Mollie (Gibson) Vance. They have a pleasant home in Mt. Sterling and rank high in social circles. He was reared in the ranks of the Republican party, and is still a stanch advocate of its principles. His success is all due to his own efforts and he possesses the energy, determination and skill to win a prominent place at the Bar.
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Fall Genealogy Seminar
For anyone in your area who is interested in genealogy that they are invited to
the Annual Fall Seminar of Ohio Chapter Palatines to America:
Researching German Immigration in the 18th Century
Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, October 16, 2010, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Ramada Hotel and Conference Center
Four presentations by Marianne S. Wokeck, Ph.D., on Indentured Servitude
and Immigration to America in the 18th Century
Renowned author of Trade in Strangers
Registration Fee $45; Ohio Chapter PalAm Members Discounted Fee $39; Students ages 17-21 $20
Includes morning coffee or tea, Lunch and Gratuity.
Deadline October 4, 2010; For Late Registration add $5.
The seminar is the Culmination of German Heritage Week in Columbus
For more information visit
http://www.oh-palam.org/bookstore/images/2010fallregistrationform.pdf
or write to Ohio Chapter Palatines to America, P.O. Box 302, Worthington, OH 43085
Richard E. Hartle,
Publicity Chairman,
Ohio Chapter Palatines to America
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