My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE H. SHERWOOD.
Union county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices, as they have usually been citizens of public spirit of capability and of marked devotion to the general good. To this class belongs George H. Sherwood, now filling the position of county treasurer his administration of office winning him high encomiums. Moreover, he is one of the self-made men of the county, having started out in life on his own account in his early teens, since which time he has been dependent upon his own resources. His birth occurred in Lincolnshire, England May 3, 1849, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John Sherwood, who were likewise natives of Lincolnshire. The father was born in 1818 and came to the United States in 1853. Locating in the east, he spent his remaining days at Oneida, New York, where he died in 1899. Throughout his entire life he followed the miller’s trade and lived a life of industry and enterprise. His wife also passed away in Oneida. In their family were nine children and the circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death.

George H. Sherwood came to America with his parents, and following the establishment of the family home at Oneida, New York, he there resided until 1872, largely acquiring his education in the public schools. When thirteen years of age, however, he had to start out in life on his own account, being employed in a flour mill and later in a store in Oneida. He remained in the mill for four years and in the store until 1872 when, thinking he might have better business opportunities in the new but rapidly developing middle west, he made his way to McGregor, Clayton county, Iowa, where he secured a position as clerk in a dry-goods store. He was thus employed until 1878, when he went to Canfield, Minnesota, where for four years he conducted a general store of his own. In 1882, however, he returned to McGregor, where he again became clerk of his former employer, with whom he continued until 1884, when, in connection with a Mr. Baird, he purchased the business which was then conducted under the firm style of Baird & Sherwood. This relation was maintained for four years, when Mr. Baird sold out and the firm became G. H. Sherwood & Company, so continuing until 1895. In that year they removed their business to Creston, where Mr. Sherwood was interested in the store until 1899, when he sold out. In 1901 he entered the employ of Lagomarcino & Company, wholesale fruit dealers, whom he represented upon the road being thus employed until the fall of 1903, when he was elected county treasurer of Union county, taking the office on the 1st of January, 1904. That he discharged his duties with promptness, capability and fidelity is indicated by the fact that in 1906 he was re-elected and is now serving for the second term, being a most faithful custodian of any public office.

On the 12th of April, 1875, at McGregor, Mr. Sherwood was united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Jones, a daughter of A. T. Jones, and they have five children, as follows: Charles Jones, born January 14, 1876; Guy Erwin, who was born August 31, 1877; Ray, born August 23, 1879; Delia F., May 17, 1882; and George Albert, May 10, 1887.

Mr. Sherwood is a popular and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and is now prelate of Bethany Commandery, No. 29, K. T. He also affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a consistent active and helpful member of the Congregational church, in which he is now serving as a deacon. He is a man of the times, broad minded, public spirited and progressive. As a citizen he is honorable, prompt and true to every engagement. His duties are performed with the greatest care and throughout his life his personal honor and integrity have been without blemish.