My Genealogy Hound

HENRY STICKNEY. Although the life of a farmer does not present the salient points that are found in the experience of a city resident, it is not therefore devoid of interest, nor unworthy of being preserved in a volume of this nature. Many years spent in the quiet and consistent performance of the daily duties of life is certainly sufficient to entitle any man to a place in the memory of his fellow-citizens, and when an intelligent mind, an active public spirit, and agreeable manners are added, the esteem is deepened and influence widened. Of such a nature and character is the subject of this sketch whose life has been spent in Clark County and who is well known to her citizens as a man of honor uprightness and wide information.

John Stickney, the father of our subject was born in Hemingborough, Yorkshire, England, marrying Sarah Cook, a native of the same shire. They emigrated to America in 1819 and having chosen a location in the Buckeye State, made it their home until death. They located upon a tract of land in Springfield Township, Clark County, where the father breathed his last March 6, 1850, the mother surviving until April 17, 1867.

The subject of this biographical notice is the fourth in a family of five children, and was born on his father’s farm November 26, 1821. He has always resided in the immediate vicinity, his own farm on section 3, being quite near the home of his boyhood. The estate which he now owns comprises three hundred and sixty broad and fertile acres, so managed that a visitor, however unlearned in farm life, would be struck by its appearance of fertility and thrift. A fine set of farm buildings has been erected, the dwelling being particularly attractive, its outward appearance not belied by the comfort which is discernible upon crossing the threshold.

An important step in the life of Mr. Stickney was taken November 11, 1851, when at the home of the bride in Harmony Township, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabel J. Baird. She is the eldest of seven children born to the late William D. and Sarah M. (Hodge) Baird, who were natives of Kentucky. She was born in Harmony Township, Clark County, June 30, 1827, and remained under the parental roof until her marriage. Her mother came to the county in 1808, and her father in 1807, after their marriage settling in the township which was their home until death. Mrs. Baird departed this life February 18, 1876, and Mr. Baird breathed his last June 30, 1885. To Mr. and Mrs. Stickney have been born two children — William J. and Sarah J. The former married Miss Katie B. Huffman and lives in Harmony Township; the latter is the wife of Robert Rogers, a farmer in Springfield Township.

Mr. Stickney has been School Director for twelve years, his continuance in the office proving that his neighbors recognize his interest in educational affairs and his ability in advancing them. In politics, he is a Republican. Both himself and wife have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. Mrs. Stickney possesses one of those gentle yet strong characters, which not only make home the happiest spot on earth for husband and children, but which are felt as an influence for good throughout the entire circle of her acquaintance and cause many to “rise up and call her blessed.”

The father of our subject was born in 1780 and just one hundred years afterward, his son had the pleasure of visiting the old country and viewing the spot where his father was born. He was absent from his home two months, spending ten days in the city of London, and at tending the International Sunday-school Convention which was held there and at which fourteen nationalities were represented.