James Stead
James Stead was born in West Yorkshire, England, June 22, 1827, being the oldest child of Ephraim and Rachel Stead. He had limited educational opportunities in his youth, and when seventeen began an apprenticeship of seven years at the trade of dyer, with his uncle. Upon completing his trade, he assumed the management of his uncle¹s business He held this position until he came to America, in 1852, locating in Philadelphia as a journeyman, and also acting as foreman, until coming to Hamilton, in 1866. He entered the employment of Shuler & Benninghofen, and remained with them until June, 1882, as foreman in the dye-works. He then retired from business.
Mr. Stead was married, in April, 1853, to Miss Lydia Hoyle. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living -- Mary A., Sidney, and James Henry. Sidney occupies the position vacated by his father, and James Henry is a machinist by trade. Mr. Stead attends the Presbyterian Church. In 1879 he made a trip to England and the Continent, visiting his old home. He was absent three months.
From A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County Ohio, With Illustrations and Sketches of its Representative Men and Pioneers, Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati Ohio, 1882.