My Genealogy Hound

ASA W. SHERWOOD, a leading citizen and successful agriculturist, now residing in Sodus Township, Berrien County, Mich., is a native of the State and was born in the pioneer days of 1834, upon November 30, in Buchanan Township, Berrien County, and has spent his entire life within a comparatively short distance of his birthplace. His father, Seth S. Sherwood, well remembered as one of the very early pioneers of Michigan and a man of sterling integrity and enterprise, was born in New York in 1799. When he was twelve years of age his parents, the paternal grandfather and grandmother of our subject, removed from the Empire State to Ohio, and there made their permanent home. The grandfather was by occupation a farmer, and when his sons were old enough to assist in the daily round of agricultural toil they began to do their share of labor. Trained up to habits of industry, Father Sherwood assisted upon the farm, and in boyhood attended the common schools of New York State and Ohio. A practical man, he devoted himself to the tilling of the soil his entire life.

The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Miss Jemima Ferguson. She was the daughter of William Ferguson, who resided in youth in Pennsylvania, and later located in Ohio, finally removing to Indiana with his family, where some time after he passed away at a good old age. Seth and Jemima (Ferguson) Sherwood were married in Ohio. The father had attained to middle age when he came West in 1833 and with his wife and three little ones settled in the wilds of Michigan. He spent one year on a farm in Cass County, and at the expiration of the twelvemonth made his home in Buchanan Township, remaining continuously in this part of Berrien County until his death in 1856. For a full score of years he survived to witness the marvelous growth and swift advancement of local interests and business enterprise that magically succeeded to the rude scenes among which he lived and struggled sixty years ago. Our subject was the third child who blessed the primitive home, and in the little log schoolhouse of the district he gained the practical education he afterward increased by observation and reading.

In 1857 Mr. Sherwood married Miss Amelia Price, a daughter of Alexander and Mary Price, well-known and highly respected residents of Buchanan Township. With his good wife, our subject removed in 1869 to Sodus Township, since then his constant residence. In this locality Mr. Sherwood invested profitably in land and has conducted farming. Six children brightened the fireside, and one son and three daughters yet survive. Laura married Elmer Wells and now lives in Kansas; Minnie has been engaged in business in Chicago as a type-writer for two years; Carrie, the wife of Charles Gray, and Jay are living at home with their father. In 1882 the death of Mrs. Sherwood made life lonely for her husband, and since then the daughter and father have been together. Mr. Sherwood is fraternally a member of Sodus Grange, in which he takes an active interest.

Politically, our subject is a Republican, and has been prominent in the local councils of his party. He has with ability and fidelity to the trusts reposed in him discharged the duties of Highway Commissioner and Justice of the Peace, in both positions giving great satisfaction to the large circle of old-time friends and associates of early days, by whom he is highly esteemed for his sterling integrity of character and excellent business qualifications. From his earliest youth Mr. Sherwood has been an important factor in the promotion of the interests of Sodus Township, and is numbered among the liberal-spirited and substantial citizens of Berrien County.