My Genealogy Hound

C. L. SHERWOOD, a leading and enterprising citizen, for twenty-five years prosperously engaged in the drug business in Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich., has during his life of busy usefulness held important official positions of trust. Our subject was born at Waterford, Erie County, Pa., September 4, 1837, and was one of the five children who blessed the home of P. W. and Aurilla (Frye) Sherwood. The father was a native of Oneida County, N. Y., but removed with his family to Pennsylvania when only a boy. The mother was born in Vermont, and her ancestry for many generations had dwelt in the Green Mountain State. Her father was a clergy-man of the Methodist denomination and was a sincere and devoted Christian man, laboring for the welfare of others. Mr. Sherwood received his early training and education in the schools of his home locality, and was yet in his childhood when he began self-reliantly to fit himself to successfully make his own way in life.

At twelve years of age our subject went to Orleans County, N. Y., to learn the drug business, and remained in that part of the State until 1859, when he located in Union City, Pa., and, opening a drug store, entered into business for himself. He prosperously conducted the store in Union City until 1868, and during his nine years of residence was the efficient Mayor of the city for two terms. While in Union City he was also appointed Postmaster under Lincoln, and discharged the duties involved with executive ability. In 1868, he came to Dowagiac, and established himself in the drug trade, and since then, employed in handling the same line of goods, has built up a fine business, one of the best in Cass County. Our subject was for a long time the popular Postmaster of Dowagiac, acceptably caring for the local mail during the second term of President Grant. He was re-appointed Postmaster by President Hayes and served with faithful ability in that official capacity for a period of ten years.

In 1861, C. L. Sherwood and Miss Mary Wood, of Murray, Orleans County, N. Y., were united in marriage. Mrs. Sherwood was a daughter of Dr. E, and Selinda (Gibson) Wood. Her father was born in New York State, and the mother was a native of Malone. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood are prominent in the social world of Dowagiac and enjoy the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. Our subject has ever been in political affiliation a stalwart Republican, especially active in promoting the interests of the “Party of Reform.” He is a public-spirited citizen, fully in accord with the progressive movements of the day, being well posted in local and national issues.

Mr. Sherwood is one of the substantial representative men of Cass County, and has used his utmost endeavor to build up the various interests and progressive enterprises of Dowagiac. For years fraternally associated with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, he is a valued member of Peninsula Lodge No. 214. He belongs to Keystone Chapter No. 36 and is one of the twelve Knights Templar of Niles Commandery. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of Honor and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being High Priest.