In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1902) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902), The History of Clark County Ohio, (1881)
JOHN A. SHIPMAN, Postmaster, Springfield; is a native of Clark County; a son of Clark and Ruth (Ambler) Shipman. Mr. Shipman, Sr., was a native of Elizabeth. N. J.. and removed when a boy with his father's family to Kentucky. Having an elder brother residing in Springfield, he came here in 1815, and resided here until his decease in 1828. Ruth is the daughter of John and Annie Ambler. Mr. Ambler was a native of New Jersey: came to Springtield in 1808, and was a prominent citizen during his lifetime. He was Treasurer and Auditor of Clark County in early days, and his daughter, Ruth Shipman. now in her 81st year, relates how her father used the kitchen for hioffice and the upper part of the cupboard for a safe. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1829. When 15 years of age. he engaged as an apprentice in a furniture factory. After serving the usual three years. he purchased an establishment and conducted that business until the spring of 1861. Then sold out, but remained with the firm as Superintendent until 1875. In 1576, he received the appointment of Postmaster at Springfield, which position he still holds to the evident satisfaction of a majority of the community. He was a member of the City Council several terms. and Chairman of the Finance Committee a number of years, and is thoroughly identified with the growth of Springfield. He married Fanny, daughter of William Grant, Sr, whose biography also appears in this work. From this union there are three children— Anna, Warren and Earl Mr. Shipman is entirely a self-made man. having commenced the battle of life at 15. with a widowed mother to support; learned his trade. and by energy, industry and careful management, succeeded in securing a competence. He has now a number of residences and other valuable property besides. His home is No. 150 West Main street, where he has erected a fine brick dwelling of modern design on the same lot, and adjoining the little brick built by his grandfather Ambler, more than threescore years ago.
As printed in The History of Clark County Ohio, (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
JOHN A. SHIPMAN.
John Ambler Shipman was well known in Springfield. He was associated for many years with mercantile and industrial interests and was also prominent in public affairs. He served for four years as the postmaster of the city and was a most creditable official, his administration of the affairs of the office There winning him high commendation.
were in his life record many elements worthy of emulation, and among those who have been prominent in Springfield's affairs John Ambler Shipman deserves to be numbered.
He was born in this city August 11, 1829. It was then a mere hamlet, giving little promise of the bright future before it. His father, Clark Shipman, was one of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky, and then again became identified with early progress and improvement by his removal to Clark county. A wide-awake man, well fitted for leadership in public thought and action, he held the rank of brigadier general in the state militia. His death occurred in 1830. His wife survived him for more than a half century, passing away in 1884, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Shipman bore the maiden name of Ruth Ambler and was a daughter of John Ambler, one of the most active and prominent pioneers of the county. He came from New Jersey to Springfield in 1808, and from’ that time forward until his death was a leading factor in the events which have formed the history of city and county. His life was an honor to his family and to the entire community because of his devotion to the general good and because of what he accomplished in behalf of the public welfare. the county he purchased a farm in Mad River township, and not finding agricultural pursuits congenial he sold that property and removed to Springfield, buying a large tract of land which is now within the city limits. He then turned his attention to merchandising in the early days of the city and also conducted a hotel. He thus led a busy life, yet he found time to devote to public affairs and to assist materially in the improvement and substantial upbuilding of his community.
Soon after his arrival in
His ability and enterprise, his practical judgment and his large public spirit were moving powers in many a scheme for the advancement of the city and county, and he was always ready with hand and purse to do whatever he could for the embryo metropolis. He donated the land upon which was built the First Presbyterian church of the city and contributed largely toward the erection of the house of worship. When the county seat was removed to Springfield he was elected county treasurer, his kitchen
‘serving as his office. A brickmaker by trade, he built the first brick house in Springfield, and this property is now owned by his grandson, E. M. Shipman, at No. 150 West Main street. Ruth Ambler was born October 30, 1799, and on the 24th of August, 1815, gave her hand in marriage to Clark Shipman. Unto them were born three children: John A., Warren and Annie, all of whom are now deceased.
John Ambler Shipman was but a year old when his father died. He remained with his mother through the period of his youth and attended school until fifteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade. Subsequently he established himself in the furniture business, on Main street, and one year later he bought a building at the corner of Main and Center streets. His business increased so rapidly that after a year he erected a more commodious place on South Fountain avenue, between Main and High streets, and there continued in trade with excellent success for some time, his patronage steadily growing and bringing to him a very gratifying income. Later, however, he disposed of his business and accepted the superintendency of the Foos & Mulligan Furniture Company, which position he held until 1877, when, upon the recommendation of General J.
As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: William Grant (b. 1811)
The printed record stops around 1902. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.