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)
THOMAS C. ACKERSON, slate roof contractor, Springfield; is a native of New Jersey; born in Monmouth County in 1829: His father, John Ackerson, removed to the vicinity of Springfield in 1848, but Thomas, being an apprentice at the blacksmith’s trade, completed his apprenticeship and came to Springfield in 1850, and was employed at his trade in this vicinity until 1861, when he entered the 16th O. V. A., in which he served three years. After his return, he spent a short time recruiting his health. In the spring of 1867, he engaged in business here as dealer and contractor in slate and composition roofing, which business he still continues; his office is on Limestone street, and he is doing a very satisfactory business. He married, in 1873, Mary J., daughter of Louis C. Huffman; from this marriage have been born two daughters. Mr. Ackerson’s residence is No. 68 East Mulberry street; he is a member of the High Street M. E. Church, and a respected citizen.
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.
THOMAS C. ACKERSON.
Honored and respected by all, Thomas C. Ackerson occupied an enviable position in business circles not only on account of the success he achieved, but also because of his honorable, straightforward business policy which he ever followed. His success in. his undertakings was so marked that his methods were of interest to the-commercial world. He based his business principles and actions on strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and strict, unswerving integrity, and although he had few advantages-in early life, he steadily progressed and commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated. He served his country in the Civil war and was ever a loyal and patriotic. citizen. He was also a faithful friend and one in whose career were many elements that are worthy of emulation.. In his death the community in which he lived lost one of its valued citizens. He belonged to that public-spirited class who, while advancing individual prosperity, also labor earnestly for the general good.
Mr. Ackerson was born June 5, 1829, in Monmouth county, New Jersey, his parents being John and Eliza (Hlayward) Ackerson, who were also natives of that state. The Ackerson family is of German lineage and the grandfather,
Thomas Ackerson, came to America in colonial days and when the country resolved to throw off the yoke of oppression he joined the American army and fought for the independence of the nation. The Hayward family is of English origin and was founded in this country by Abraham Hayward, the maternal grandfather of our subject. John Ackerson was a stone mason, brick layer and builder, having mastered all of those trades during his residence in New Jersey. About 1847 he removed to and became identified with the agricultural interests of Clark county, as a farmer of Springfield township. There he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1853. His wife survived him for a number of years and was then called to her final rest. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters.
Thomas C. Ackerson, the fourth in order of birth, remained with his parents unto he was eleven years of age and then went to live with his uncle, Dr. J. S. English, of Monmouth county, New Jersey. While there he attended school and assisted the Doctor until he was seventeen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith’s trade. At the close of his term of service, during which time he acquired a good knowledge of the business, he came to Ohio, locating in Harmony township, Clark county, where he established a shop and there conducted successfully a growing business for a period of seven years. He then came to Springfield and here en-* tered into partnership with James Neily in:
the conduct of a smith. Again his excellent workmanship and honorable business methods won him a large patronage and he continued business until after the breaking out of the Civil war when, feeling that his
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.
The printed record stops around 1902. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.